The Dreamiest Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe Ever

Whipping up a delectable stovetop creamy ground beef pasta becomes a breeze with this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Comfort calls when hunger strikes, and this dish answers perfectly.

Tender pasta intertwines with rich, seasoned meat in a velvety sauce that promises pure enjoyment.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions, and this recipe delivers without compromising flavor.

Home cooks appreciate meals that come together effortlessly while still impressing everyone around the table.

Minimal ingredients blend into maximum deliciousness, creating a meal you’ll want to savor bite after delightful bite.

Prepare to transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that sparks smiles and clean plates.

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Made Simple

• Conquer One-Pot Comfort: Enjoy a complete meal prepared entirely in a single skillet, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time after a long day.
• Transform Weeknight Dinners: Create a hearty, restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime exciting and delicious.
• Master Quick Cooking: Learn a straightforward recipe that requires minimal culinary skills, perfect for busy home cooks who want a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Feast: Easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables, changing cheese types, or adjusting spices to match your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Ingredients To Whip Up Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

• Ground Beef: A rich and hearty meat that provides the main protein for this creamy pasta dish.

• Onion, Garlic: A classic flavor base that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the recipe.

• Pasta: A key ingredient that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides a satisfying texture.
• Beef Broth, Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and rich sauce that coats the pasta and beef.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds a touch of acidity and freshness to balance the creamy sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing the aromatics and helps prevent sticking.

Stepwise Instructions To Make Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and release their fragrant magic until they become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into delicious crumbles with a spatula. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown masterpiece.

If needed, drain any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Create the Luscious Sauce

• Beef broth
• Heavy cream
• Diced tomatoes with their juices

Stir everything together, creating a creamy symphony of flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Introduce the pasta and let it swim in the sauce.

Stir occasionally, allowing the pasta to become tender and the sauce to thicken beautifully, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Cheese it Up

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and hugs every morsel of pasta.

Season with salt and pepper to your heart’s content.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for a few minutes.

This allows the sauce to become luxuriously thick and creamy. Dish out immediately and savor every delightful bite of this comforting ground beef pasta.

Expert Tips To Nail Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

• Remove fatty liquid from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and create a cleaner, more appetizing meal.
• Select ground beef with lower fat content (85% or 90% lean) for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh and add off the heat to ensure smooth, creamy texture without becoming grainy or stringy.
• Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even sauce distribution throughout the dish.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top before serving to add brightness and fresh herbal notes to the creamy pasta.

Flavorful Variations To Try On Creamy Beef Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chilies, chili powder, and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-style pasta dish with bold flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use chickpea or brown rice pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can still enjoy this comforting meal.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the rich, creamy beef sauce intact.

Pairing Suggestions To Enjoy With Creamy Beef Pasta

• Select a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the beef and creamy sauce. These wines cut through the richness while enhancing the dish's depth.
• Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a light, tangy contrast to the hearty pasta. The fresh greens help balance the creamy, savory elements.
• Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The crispy texture and garlic notes perfectly match the creamy ground beef pasta.

Proper Storage For Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little beef broth or cream to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with other short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells that hold sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free to create a celiac-friendly version.

• Can I freeze this ground beef pasta?

While you can freeze it, the cream-based sauce might separate slightly upon reheating, affecting the texture.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce during the sauce-building stage to increase heat.

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty “Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta” delivers comfort in one skillet, blending rich beef and silky sauce with perfectly al dente noodles. Weeknight dinner dreams come true when you savor this quick, satisfying meal that promises deliciousness in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Dairy:

• 2 cups pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, introducing finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until aromatics become translucent and release their fragrant essence, approximately 2-3 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking down the meat with a spatula. Brown thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains visible. Discard any accumulated excess fat if needed.
3. Cascade beef broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes into the skillet, creating a rich, harmonious liquid base. Blend ingredients seamlessly with gentle stirring.
4. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Incorporate pasta directly into the sauce, allowing it to cook uncovered. Stir intermittently for 10-12 minutes, monitoring pasta tenderness and sauce consistency.
5. Once pasta reaches optimal texture, introduce grated Parmesan cheese. Fold continuously until cheese melts completely and integrates smoothly into the sauce. Calibrate flavor profile with strategic salt and pepper seasoning.
6. Remove skillet from heat source, permitting the pasta to rest briefly. This final moments allows sauce to develop deeper thickness and absorb remaining flavors. Plate immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and creamy consistency.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing sauce consistency.
• Opt for lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich flavor and tender texture.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni for varied dining experiences and interesting sauce-catching capabilities.
• Customize the recipe by adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a bright, fresh finish that elevates the overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 523 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg