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Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

4.9 from 100 reviews

This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring savory ground beef combined with tender pasta, rich cream, melted cheese, and tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers a luscious, hearty meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef

Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or elbow macaroni recommended)

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)

Others

  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add Pasta and Liquid: Add the pasta to the skillet with the cooked beef. Pour in 1/2 cup of water or beef broth to help cook the pasta along with 1 cup of tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
  3. Simmer Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Final Simmer: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use any short pasta like penne, macaroni, or rotini for best results.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Adding a pinch of Italian herbs like oregano or basil enhances the flavor.
  • To make it spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the beef.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: ground beef pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, stovetop pasta, easy beef recipe