If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight comfort food, look no further than this Creamy Beef Pasta! It’s a decadent yet approachable dish that combines tender penne, juicy ground beef, and an irresistibly rich, cheesy sauce with the right mix of Italian spices. The creamy texture and bold flavors make it hard to resist seconds, yet it’s simple and fast enough for even your busiest evenings. Get ready to fall in love with a skillet meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long shopping list to make this show-stopping Creamy Beef Pasta. Each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s richness from the cream, savoriness from the beef, or a pop of color from fresh parsley. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

Penne Pasta: Its tubular shape holds all that luscious sauce, making every bite dreamy.
Olive Oil: Gives just enough richness to cook the beef and onions without being heavy.
Ground Beef: The star protein adds hearty flavor and a satisfying, meaty bite.
Onion: Diced small for sweetness and depth that meld into the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a punch of bold aroma that sweeps through the dish.
Italian Seasoning: This blend offers savory, herby notes that complement the creamy sauce.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the entire skillet; taste as you go!
Black Pepper: A little heat to balance the richness; freshly cracked is best.
Tomato Paste: Adds tang and body, bringing a subtle acidity that cuts through the creaminess.
Beef Broth: Deepens the flavor and loosens the sauce to silky perfection.
Heavy Cream: Key for the ultimate creamy texture and bold, indulgent flavor.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty, it melts into the sauce for extra umami.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Gives you that stretchy, melty cheese pull everyone craves.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens every serving with color and a fresh, herby note to finish.

How to Make Creamy Beef Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start things off by boiling a big pot of salted water. Cook your penne according to package directions until just al dente, since it’ll soak up more flavor once tossed with the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—it comes in handy later if you need to loosen up your sauce!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and let it cook until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains, about 5 to 6 minutes. Browning the meat is key for bringing that crave-worthy, savory depth.

Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic

Toss in your diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, or until it has softened and picked up some flavor from the beef. Add garlic next, along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for just a minute—enough to let the aromatics bloom, making the kitchen smell amazing!

Step 4: Tomato Paste Transformation

Scoop in your tomato paste and mix it through, allowing it to cook for around one minute. This step toasts and caramelizes the tomato flavor, blending everything into a flavorful base that’s anything but boring.

Step 5: Pour and Simmer

Slowly pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the sauce bubble away for 3 to 4 minutes, reducing just slightly and coming together into a rich, creamy canvas.

Step 6: Add Cheeses Until Creamy

Now for the magic: sprinkle in your grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Stir until both are melted and your sauce turns silky, creamy, and delightfully cheesy—ideal for clinging to every bite of pasta. This is the heart of Creamy Beef Pasta!

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Gently add your drained pasta right into the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water to get things glossy and smooth. Taste, adjust seasoning, and you’re ready to pile high in bowls!

How to Serve Creamy Beef Pasta

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right over the top brightens up the dish with herby freshness and a lovely pop of color. For a little extra pizazz, dust the bowls with more grated Parmesan or a crack of black pepper if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Creamy Beef Pasta loves a simple salad—think crisp greens with a tangy vinaigrette—or classic garlic bread to swipe through all that irresistible sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables also pair beautifully and lighten up the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this comfort food staple in individual ramekins for a dinner party feel or make it a family-style centerpiece in a big, cozy bowl. Add a swirl of extra cream or a tiny mountain of shredded mozzarella on the center for wow factor—no one can resist that cheese pull!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Beef Pasta stores like a charm! Simply let it cool, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making your next meal even better.

Freezing

You can easily freeze portions for those nights when a homemade meal feels out of reach. Divide cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags and stash in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as needed.

Reheating

When it’s time to warm up your leftovers, a splash of milk or beef broth helps revive the sauce. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. The cheese will melt back into a creamy, silky consistency, just like when it was freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne is fantastic for capturing sauce, feel free to use rotini, fusilli, or even rigatoni—anything sturdy enough to hold up to all that creamy goodness.

How can I make Creamy Beef Pasta lighter?

For a lighter touch, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and swap in part-skim mozzarella. You can also add extra veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, to boost nutrition without losing any comfort.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even meatless crumbles work beautifully in this recipe. Whichever you choose, make sure to season well and cook until browned for best flavor.

Is it possible to make Creamy Beef Pasta ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat just before serving. Just be sure to add a little extra cream or broth when reheating to keep everything luscious.

What wine pairs best with Creamy Beef Pasta?

A smooth red like Chianti or Merlot pairs wonderfully with the rich, creamy sauce and savory beef, while a crisp Pinot Grigio adds a bright, refreshing contrast if you prefer white wines.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Beef Pasta is more than just another dinner—it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite that’ll keep everyone coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy with your loved ones!

Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this delectable Creamy Beef Pasta. A delicious combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a luscious cheese sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Mixture: Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then add onion, garlic, seasonings, and tomato paste. Pour in broth and cream, simmer, and add cheeses.
Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until coated. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.