Cheese Leek Pasta with Ground Meat – A Simple Comfort Dish!

### Instructions for Cheese Leek Pasta with Ground Meat

#### Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set it aside.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Leeks
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the leeks. Trim off the dark green tops, leaving only the white and light green parts. Slice the leeks thinly and rinse them thoroughly in a colander to remove any dirt or grit.

#### Step 3: Cook the Ground Meat
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **ground meat** and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Once cooked, remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.

#### Step 4: Sauté the Leeks and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the **sliced leeks** and cook them over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized. Add the **minced garlic** and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

#### Step 5: Create the Cheese Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked ground meat to the skillet with the leeks and garlic. Stir in the **heavy cream** and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Gradually add the **shredded cheese** and **Parmesan** (if using), stirring constantly until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.

#### Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly in the cheesy meat and leek sauce. If needed, adjust the seasoning with more **salt** and **pepper**, and feel free to add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** for a little heat.

#### Step 7: Serve
Once everything is combined, transfer the dish to serving plates. Garnish with fresh **parsley** or **basil** for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy cheese, tender pasta, savory meat, and mild leeks.

### Tips for the Best Cheese Leek Pasta with Ground Meat

1. **Use a Blend of Cheeses**: A combination of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella gives this dish a perfect balance of flavor and texture. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Gruyère, or Fontina for different flavor profiles.

2. **Add Veggies**: If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, try adding spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the skillet when you sauté the leeks. They’ll add extra color and nutrition without compromising the dish’s flavor.

3. **Make It Spicy**: For those who like a little heat, sprinkle some **red pepper flakes** into the sauce or add a diced chili pepper when cooking the leeks and garlic.

4. **Leftovers**: This dish makes excellent leftovers! You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, simply add a little bit of milk or cream when reheating.

5. **Gluten-Free Option**: Swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety if you have dietary restrictions. There are many great gluten-free pasta options that will pair perfectly with this dish.

### Why Cheese Leek Pasta with Ground Meat is a Crowd-Pleaser

This dish combines all the elements of a comforting meal: cheesy goodness, savory meat, and the natural sweetness of leeks. It’s simple yet flavorful, making it a great choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a family meal. The richness of the cheese sauce perfectly complements the leeks, and the ground meat adds a hearty touch that makes it feel like a complete meal.

Moreover, the dish is adaptable to suit various tastes. You can experiment with different types of cheese, switch up the meat, or add extra veggies based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for just yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this recipe can easily be scaled up or down to suit your needs.

### Conclusion: A Comforting, Easy Meal for Any Day

**Cheese Leek Pasta with Ground Meat** is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful ground meat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Easy to prepare yet indulgent enough to satisfy all your cravings, this dish is a great choice when you want something simple, hearty, and full of flavor.

So, next time you’re in the mood for a cozy meal, give this recipe a try. It’s guaranteed to warm you up and leave everyone at the table asking for seconds!