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
Scale
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
