Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce—all ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for family dinners or quick meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Satisfyingly rich and creamy
• Easy to make—one‑pan cooking
• Uses simple pantry staples
• Family-friendly, crowd-pleasing flavors
• Ready in about 25 minutes
• Customizable with veggies or spices
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Comfort food at its finest
• Easily adaptable to dietary preferences
• Versatile—serve with sides or toppings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• For the beef sauce:
  • Ground beef (80–85% lean)
  • Onion, finely chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning (or oregano + basil)
  • Tomato paste and/or diced tomatoes (optional)
  • Beef broth (or water)
• For the creamy sauce:
  • Heavy cream (or half‑and‑half)
  • Cream cheese or sour cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: shredded cheddar or mozzarella
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• For the pasta base:
  • Short pasta (penne, rigatoni, shells, or fusilli)
  • Cooked according to package directions
  • Reserve ½ cup pasta water

Directions

1. Brown the ground beef
   • In a large skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté aromatics
   • Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened (2–3 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian spices.
3. Build the savory base
   • Stir in tomato paste (if using) and beef broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes to enhance flavor.
4. Make it creamy
   • Lower heat to medium-low. Add cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Simmer 2–3 minutes. If using additional cheese, stir it in now.
5. Combine pasta and sauce
   • Stir in cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to adjust consistency. Toss gently until everything is coated and warmed.
6. Serve and garnish
   • Plate the pasta, then top with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley or basil, and crushed red pepper if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5–10 minutes
• Cook time: 15–20 minutes
• Total time: ~25–30 minutes

Variations

• Veggie boost: Add spinach, peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms
• Spicy kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning
• Cheesy overload: Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, or fontina
• Tomato-rich version: Add canned diced tomatoes or marinara
• Low‑carb alternative: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
• Taco twist: Season beef with taco seasoning and garnish with cilantro and lime
• Smoky flavor: Add smoked paprika or chipotle pepper
• Protein upgrade: Mix in cooked sausage or bacon
• Lighten it up: Use half‑and‑half or evaporated milk instead of cream
• Herb-infused: Top with fresh basil, oregano, or thyme

storage/reheating

• Storage:
  • Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing:
  • Freeze cooled pasta in meal‑prep containers for up to 2–3 months.
• Reheating:
  • Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
  • Microwave: Heat in intervals, stirring and moistening with milk or water as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use leaner beef?

Yes—lean beef works, though you may need a bit more oil or butter since it releases less fat.

2. Can I prepare this ahead?

Absolutely—cook and refrigerate; reheat with a splash of liquid to refresh the sauce.

3. Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta, and ensure your seasonings are GF.

4. How do I avoid a watery sauce?

Let the sauce simmer to thicken and avoid adding too much pasta water.

5. Can I swap cream cheese?

Yes—use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier sauce.

6. What pasta shape works best?

Short, ridged shapes like penne, rigatoni, shells, or fusilli hold sauce well.

7. Can I double this recipe?

Yes—use a larger pan and scale ingredients accordingly.

8. How can I make it vegetarian?

Use plant-based ground meat or lentils instead of beef.

9. Can I add veggies?

Definitely! Stir in cooked vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.

10. Is this kid-friendly?

Very much—mild, creamy flavors appeal to kids. Top optionally with more cheese or herbs.

Conclusion

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort-food meal—rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, batch cooking, or family dinners, this versatile dish delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with every forkful. Enjoy customizing it to your taste!

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