🥩🍝 Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Beef Pasta is a hearty, comforting dinner made with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. This easy one-pan meal is packed with savory flavors and comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Every bite is filled with creamy, cheesy goodness that everyone will love.
Whether you use penne, rigatoni, or rotini, this satisfying pasta recipe pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Yield
- Servings: 4–6
- Makes: 1 large skillet
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne, rigatoni, or rotini
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cream Sauce
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for added richness)
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- Sliced mushrooms
- Baby spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Crispy bacon
- Green peas
- Red bell peppers
- Jalapeños
Preparation & Cooking
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Stir in the butter, onion, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion softens. Add the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir in the tomato paste if using and simmer for 3–4 minutes. Add the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If needed, stir in a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Serving Ideas
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic green beans
- Steamed asparagus
- Bruschetta
Storage
Store leftover Creamy Beef Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk, cream, or beef broth to maintain the creamy texture.
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn't become soft after mixing with the sauce.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent a greasy sauce.
- Stir the sauce frequently while adding the cheese to ensure a silky consistency.
Variations
- Add mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
- Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef.
- Stir in fresh spinach during the final minute of cooking.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, cheesy garlic cream sauce into one satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you're craving a warm and comforting homemade pasta dish.
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