There’s something truly magical about a creamy, hearty pasta that comes together in just one pan. Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving on busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike. Tender pasta, rich ground beef, and a velvety sauce with a hint of tang from tomato paste make every bite irresistible. The best part? It’s all made in a single skillet, promising big flavor with easy cleanup. If you’re searching for a comfort meal that pleases the whole family and doesn’t keep you tied to the stove for hours, this recipe is your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is in its simplicity—each ingredient has an important role, from building the savory base to creating that creamy, cheesy finish. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to make every component shine.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing and infuses the beef and veggies with extra flavor.
- Ground beef: The heart of the dish—choose 80/20 for richness, or swap for turkey for a lighter meal.
- Onion: Diced small, it melts into the sauce and adds subtle sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs an aromatic punch—don’t skimp!
- Italian seasoning: This blend brings herby depth and classic Italian notes to the sauce.
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of color to the creamy base.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing every layer of flavor—taste as you go.
- Tomato paste: Provides tangy richness and helps thicken and deepen the sauce.
- Beef broth: Infuses the pasta with savory flavor as it cooks right in the pan.
- Uncooked pasta: Penne or rotini work best, absorbing the sauce beautifully while holding their shape.
- Heavy cream: The key to that dreamy, luscious sauce—brings it all together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey, comforting texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the whole dish.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top brightens up the plate and adds a pop of color.
How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. You want to get a nice brown sear on the beef, which adds tons of flavor to the finished Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter final dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add your diced onion to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it softens and turns translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant—this is when your kitchen really starts to smell amazing!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now, add the tomato paste and stir it through the beef and onions, coating everything well. This quick step deepens the flavor and gives the sauce its inviting color. Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged. Give it all a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Pasta
Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let everything cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check to see when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This one-pot method means the pasta soaks up all that seasoned broth, making every bite incredibly flavorful.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
With the pasta cooked and the sauce thickened, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Keep stirring for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the cheeses melt and the sauce turn irresistibly creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Finally, sprinkle in the chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
How to Serve Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, but you can also add a dusting of extra Parmesan or a twist of cracked black pepper. For a pop of color, try thinly sliced green onions or a few halved cherry tomatoes right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or serve it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual ramekins and broil them briefly for a bubbly, cheesy top. If you’re feeding a crowd, transfer it to a big family-style bowl and let everyone help themselves. You can even spoon it over a bed of steamed spinach for a hidden veggie boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as delicious—if not more so!
Freezing
While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, this pasta holds up surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally for even heating and a silky, fresh-tasting sauce every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and rotini hold up well, you can swap in any short pasta you have on hand. Shells, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni will work perfectly for Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Definitely. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. You’ll still get a creamy, satisfying result with fewer calories.
How can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Toss in a handful of fresh spinach, frozen peas, or chopped bell peppers right after adding the pasta. The veggies will cook along with everything else, making your Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta even more nutritious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free short pasta and double-check that your beef broth and seasonings are gluten-free as well. Keep an eye on the pasta’s cook time, as it may differ slightly.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Add a splash of milk or broth to your leftovers, then reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. This helps restore the creaminess and prevents the sauce from drying out.
Final Thoughts
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is that rare gem of a recipe: fast, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just need a cozy meal for yourself, give this dish a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a quick and delicious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory browned ground beef with tender pasta, a rich tomato-infused broth, and creamy cheeses, it delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great family-friendly dinner that can be easily customized with your favorite pasta or veggies.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute to release their aromas.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste to coat the beef mixture evenly, enhancing the rich, savory base of the sauce.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until cheese melts and the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Add vegetables like spinach or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Use any short pasta shape you have on hand, such as fusilli or farfalle.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- To make it lower fat, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese quantity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
