Braised Beef with Cheesy Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender, slow-cooked beef and rich, creamy cheese-covered pasta. This satisfying meal is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or any time you crave a warm, filling bowl of flavorful goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the ultimate fusion of comfort and flavor. The beef is braised until fork-tender in a savory sauce, then paired with pasta that’s smothered in melted cheese. The slow-cooked depth of flavor and the creamy texture of the pasta create a balanced and indulgent meal. It’s perfect for batch cooking, meal prepping, or serving to a hungry crowd.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef chuck or stew meat, cubed
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Tomato paste
Beef broth
Soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Dried thyme
Bay leaf
Salt and black pepper
Pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Heavy cream or milk
Cubed cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
Green onions or chives for garnish

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté chopped onion until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste, then deglaze with beef broth, scraping up any browned bits.
Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Return beef to the pot.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until beef is tender.
Cook the pasta separately according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
When the beef is done, remove the bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted.
Add the cooked pasta and mix well to coat.
Top with extra cubed cheese and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Veggie-packed: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition.
Creamier option: Add cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness.
Different pasta: Try penne, fusilli, or egg noodles instead of elbow macaroni.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a pot over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for braising?

Chuck roast or stew meat works best as it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, after searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

How can I make it less rich?

Use milk instead of cream and reduce the amount of cheese if desired.

Can I use pre-cooked beef?

Yes, leftover roast or shredded beef can be used. Simply heat it in the sauce until warmed through.

Is it okay to use boxed pasta and cheese sauce?

For convenience, yes—but making the sauce from scratch offers a richer, fresher taste.

What cheese melts best for this recipe?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both melt well and give a creamy texture.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, prepare everything in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.

What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully.

Can I use ground beef instead?

You can, but the flavor and texture will differ. Braised beef gives a more luxurious, tender result.

How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?

Add the pasta only when ready to serve, or cook it slightly al dente so it holds up better when mixed in.

Conclusion

Braised Beef with Cheesy Pasta is a comfort food classic that brings the richness of slow-cooked beef together with creamy, cheesy pasta in one satisfying dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for cozy dinners, meal prep, or serving guests. Make it once, and it will quickly become a regular favorite at your table.

Braised Beef with Cheesy Pasta

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Braised Beef with Cheesy Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich sauce, served over creamy, cheesy pasta. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 25 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Braising
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook for 1-2 minutes.
Deglaze with red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Add beef broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Return beef to the pot.
Cover and transfer to oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until beef is fork-tender.
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and return to pot.
Stir in butter, heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until cheese is melted and pasta is creamy.
Serve braised beef over cheesy pasta. Spoon extra sauce from the pot over the top.