Simple Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe: A Family Favorite

Whipping up a delectable stovetop ground beef pasta brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish promises a speedy solution for hungry families.

My grandmother first shared her version decades ago, teaching me how simple meals can create lasting memories.

Robust seasonings and tender meat combine effortlessly in this one-pan wonder.

Mediterranean influences shine through with classic herbs and robust spices that dance across your palate.

Minimal preparation means you can have a satisfying meal ready in under thirty minutes.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles around the table.

Why Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Works Every Time

• Craft a Comforting Meal: Dive into a one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, from kitchen newbies to seasoned chefs.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to personalize the dish, making it a versatile go-to meal that adapts to your family's taste preferences.
• Packed with Flavor: Combine ground beef, rich cream cheese, and savory Parmesan to create a restaurant-quality pasta dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich ingredient that provides the hearty foundation for this pasta dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavorful vegetables that add depth and fragrance to the ground beef base.

• Pasta (Uncooked): The starchy component that absorbs flavors and creates a satisfying meal.
• Beef Broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the pasta and enhance the overall taste.

• Cream Cheese: A creamy ingredient that creates a rich and smooth sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty and tangy cheese that adds complexity to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste profile.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Crumble the ground beef into the pan, cooking until it transforms from pink to a rich, deep brown color.

Ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked and drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Introduce chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet.

Let them dance and sizzle, releasing their incredible fragrance. Cook until the onions become soft and translucent, creating a flavor base that will make your pasta irresistible.

Step 3: Create The Liquid Base

Gently pour beef broth into the skillet, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir everything together, allowing the ingredients to mingle and get acquainted.

Bring the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer that promises delightful results.

Step 4: Melt The Creamy Goodness

Lower the heat and add cream cheese cubes to the skillet.

Stir continuously, watching as the cream cheese transforms into a silky, smooth sauce that coats every morsel of pasta and beef.

Step 5: Finish With Flavor Boosters

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Give everything a final, loving stir to blend the flavors. Take a quick taste to ensure the seasoning is perfectly balanced and makes your taste buds sing.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Scoop the creamy beef pasta into bowls, letting the steam carry its irresistible aroma. This comforting dish is ready to become an instant family favorite that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Creamy Beef Pasta Success

• Use a colander or paper towels to remove as much grease as possible from ground beef for a lighter, less oily dish.
• Select short pasta shapes like penne or rotini that hold sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet.
• Cut cream cheese into small cubes and stir gently to ensure smooth melting without lumps.
• Add salt and pepper incrementally, tasting as you go to achieve perfect flavor balance without over-seasoning.
• Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version of the recipe.

Variations to Change Up Ground Beef Pasta

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Pasta Swap: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, vegetable-packed alternative.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or lentils for a meatless version that's equally satisfying.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream cheese and Parmesan to create a dairy-free, allergy-friendly rendition.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern flair.

Best Pairings for Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot to complement the rich, creamy beef pasta’s robust flavors and cut through its richness.

Create a light arugula or mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish’s heaviness and add a refreshing contrast.

Prepare warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft pasta.

Prepare roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans with garlic and olive oil to add nutritional balance and a clean, fresh element to the meal.

Proper Storage for Ground Beef Pasta

• Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before placing in the fridge to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently and frequently to maintain creamy texture and distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shell pasta are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well and are easy to mix with ground beef.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a perfect substitute and will work exactly the same way in this recipe, providing a leaner protein option.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy texture and mild seasonings make this pasta dish very appealing to children, and it’s a great way to get them to eat a balanced meal.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add some frozen vegetables like peas or spinach during the cooking process to increase the nutritional value without changing the overall flavor of the dish.

Stovetop Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Stovetop Ground Beef Pasta delivers comforting Italian-inspired flavors with rich meaty sauce and perfectly cooked noodles. Weeknight dinner champions will appreciate this simple, satisfying one-pot meal that brings family together around steaming plates of deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) short pasta (penne or rotini)
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese (softened)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) low-sodium beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Dice onions and mince garlic with precision for optimal flavor distribution.
2. Heat skillet to medium temperature, sear ground beef until completely browned, carefully eliminating accumulated grease.
3. Introduce onions and garlic into the skillet, sautéing until aromatics release their fragrant essence and vegetables become translucent (approximately 5 minutes).
4. Pour beef broth into the skillet, then add uncooked pasta, ensuring thorough integration and bringing mixture to a gentle, rolling simmer.
5. Reduce cooking temperature to low, incorporate cream cheese cubes systematically, continuously stirring until ingredients merge into a velvety, homogeneous sauce.
6. Enhance dish with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; conduct a flavor assessment to confirm balanced seasoning before serving.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the sauce too oily and heavy.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version that still maintains rich flavor without excessive fat.
• Room temperature cream cheese melts faster and creates a smoother, more consistent sauce without lumps.
• Consider gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 485 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg