Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: A Simple and Satisfying Meal

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner that combines the richness of creamy sauce with the heartiness of ground beef and pasta. This one-pan recipe is easy to prepare, quick to cook, and full of flavor, making it ideal for busy families or anyone craving a comforting meal without a lot of fuss. With ingredients like beef broth, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is loaded with savory goodness. It’s a versatile meal that can be made with different types of pasta and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving a crowd, this creamy beef pasta is sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

This stovetop recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.

2. One-Pan Meal

Cooking everything in one skillet makes for easy clean-up, leaving you with less to do after enjoying a delicious meal.

3. Creamy and Flavorful

The combination of beef broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, making every bite indulgent.

4. Versatile

You can swap the pasta for any type you prefer—penne, rotini, elbow macaroni, or even spaghetti—and add vegetables or extra seasonings to suit your taste.

5. Budget-Friendly

Using ground beef and pantry staples like pasta, tomatoes, and broth, this recipe is affordable and cost-effective for feeding a family or group.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Olive oil
• Small onion (finely chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Beef broth
• Canned diced tomatoes (drained)
• Heavy cream
• Uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a substitute for the ground beef to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the onions and garlic for a kick of heat.
• Cheesy: For an extra cheesy version, stir in more grated Parmesan or add shredded mozzarella during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the beef broth and stir in the diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if the pasta needs extra liquid.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked and tender, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth or water to loosen it up.
• Use a non-stick skillet for easy stirring and to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
• For added flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a richer taste.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.

How to Serve

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for added freshness. You can also serve it with a sprinkling of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy texture.

Freezing

While this dish can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it before adding the heavy cream. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and stir in the heavy cream.

Reheating

To reheat, place the casserole in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of broth or water to help loosen the sauce, if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to use any short pasta, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Long pasta like spaghetti works too, but it may take a little longer to cook.

2. Is it okay to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work just as well for a leaner version of this dish.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese when you’re ready to serve.

4. What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth, or use water with a bouillon cube.

5. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper along with the garlic and onion to increase the heat.

6. How can I make this dish cheesier?

Stir in more Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy, indulgent sauce.

7. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and flavor.

8. Can I use heavy milk instead of heavy cream?

You can use milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less creamy and rich. Consider adding a bit of butter or extra cheese to make up for the difference.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding more liquid if necessary.

10. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a quick, creamy, and satisfying dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s a versatile, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized to your tastes. With its rich sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether served with a side of garlic bread or enjoyed on its own, it’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love.

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