If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly combines comfort and flavor, look no further than creamy ground beef pasta. This delightful meal promises a luscious sauce enveloping tender pasta and savory ground beef that will leave your taste buds yearning for more. It’s a family-friendly, weekday-dinner dream that is best enjoyed with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top and a cozy setting to match.
Ingredients
Let’s gather everything you’ll need to bring this creamy pasta dish to life:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta (your choice)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Equipments
Before you dive into cooking, ensure you have these kitchen essentials handy:
- Large saucepan
- Frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1 – Brown the Beef
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent—this should take about 2–3 minutes. Introduce the ground beef to the pan, cooking until it’s browned all over. Make sure to break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
Step 2 – Cook the Pasta
While the beef is browning, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Use a colander to drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Step 3 – Create the Sauce
Return the frying pan with the browned beef to medium heat. Stir in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a rich, creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken while stirring occasionally.
Step 4 – Combine and Serve
With the sauce ready, add the cooked pasta to the pan, ensuring it’s fully coated in the creamy mixture. If the sauce is too thick, use some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Allow the flavors to meld together for a couple more minutes over low heat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
For the best dining experience, serve this creamy ground beef pasta hot, straight from the stove to your table. Pair it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. This dish is also perfect for a cozy night in paired with your favorite wine.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce. If you prefer more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can do the trick. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite pasta shape—penne and rigatoni are excellent choices for capturing that creamy sauce.
Protein Powerhouse: High Protein Version
Elevate this dish by swapping out standard pasta for a high-protein alternative like lentil or chickpea pasta. This simple modification boosts protein content while maintaining all the creamy deliciousness. Alternatively, add a bit more lean ground beef or toss in shredded chicken for an even heartier meal.
Low-Carb Delight: Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Without the Carbs!
Cut down on carbs without sacrificing taste by replacing the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. This twist provides all the comforting flavors in a health-conscious package perfect for carb-conscious diets. Additionally, consider using heavy cream and a touch of cheese instead of broth to maintain creaminess.
Storage Instructions
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture. For longer storage, freeze servings individually for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
- Is this creamy ground beef pasta gluten-free? Not by default, but you can use gluten-free pasta noodles as a substitute.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve!
- What type of pasta works best? Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works great to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Can I use milk instead of cream? Heavy cream is ideal for thick, rich sauce, but whole milk can be used for a lighter version.
- How can I add more veggies? Boost the nutritional value by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach when sautéing the onions and garlic.
Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts on Your Creamy Culinary Journey
Creamy ground beef pasta offers a warm embrace that satisfies both heart and palate. It’s an adaptable, robust dish perfect for any night of the week. We’d love to hear how your culinary adventure went—share your experience, leave a comment with your unique twist, or snap a photo and tag us on social media. Bon appétit and happy cooking!
Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- pasta
- heavy cream
- beef broth
- onion
- garlic
- olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper
- Parsley
Instructions
Steps
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until aromatic. Add the ground beef, browning it evenly before draining excess fat.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, reserve some pasta water, and set pasta aside.
- Simmer beef broth with the browned beef, then add cream, stirring consistently until the sauce thickens. Include Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta with the sauce, mix well, and adjust thickness with the reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.