Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a rich, cozy, and ultra-comforting dish that brings together tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a silky, flavorful cream sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and made with simple pantry staples.
If you love hearty pasta dishes that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home. With its creamy texture, savory beef, and perfectly seasoned sauce, this pasta is pure comfort food done right.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy – Ready in 25–30 minutes.
- Creamy & Comforting – A rich sauce that coats every noodle.
- Family Favorite – Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved.
- Budget-Friendly – Simple ingredients with big flavor.
- One-Pan Option – Easy cleanup with minimal mess.
- Customizable – Add veggies, spices, or cheese your way.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or any shape)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Ingredients:
Boil pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a skillet, heat olive oil.
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in onions and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Build the Sauce:
Add tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour in beef broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and mix until smooth.
4. Add Cheese & Pasta:
Add shredded cheese and let melt into the sauce.
Stir in cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water if needed.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
How to Serve
Plating Tips:
Serve in deep bowls with extra cheese melted on top.
Side Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Leftover Uses:
- Creamy beef pasta bake
- Stuffed peppers
- Next-day lunch bowls
Beverage Pairing:
- Sparkling water
- Red wine (Merlot or Chianti)
- Iced tea
Additional Tips
- Add spinach or peas for extra color.
- Use cheddar for sharper flavor or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy version.
- Don’t overcook pasta, keeps everything velvety.
Variations
- Cheesy Version: Add cream cheese or extra cheddar.
- Tomato-Cream Mix: Add ½ cup marinara for a rosé sauce.
- Veggie Loaded: Add mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini.
- One-Pot Method: Cook pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth.
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate: 3 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months
Reheat: Stovetop with splash of broth or cream
Special Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Wooden spoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, just season it well for full flavor.
Can I make this creamy pasta without heavy cream?
Yes , use evaporated milk, half-and-half, or whole milk with a bit of cream cheese.
Can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes, cayenne, or spicy marinara.
Can I make this a one-pot dinner?
Absolutely ,add uncooked pasta with extra broth and let simmer until done.
Conclusion
Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is fast, comforting, and packed with savory flavor. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and seasoned beef, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or feeding a hungry family. Simple ingredients, big results, this pasta is a keeper!
