Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a cozy, satisfying dinner that comes together in just half an hour, Creamy Beef Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish combines tender pasta with savory ground beef, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and gooey cheese for a meal that tastes like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving some comfort food, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort and is guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Beef Pasta lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that each play a special role in making the dish so irresistible. Every staple brings something unique, whether it’s a burst of flavor, a creamy texture, or a pop of color for that perfect finishing touch.
- Pasta (12 oz penne or rotini): Sturdy shapes like penne or rotini catch all that luscious sauce in every bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A drizzle is all you need to bring a little richness and help brown the beef beautifully.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The star of the show, ground beef brings hearty flavor and protein to every forkful.
- Yellow onion, diced (1 small): Sweetens and deepens the flavor base, making the sauce extra aromatic.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Adds that unmistakable savory punch and warmth to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that infuses the sauce with classic Mediterranean notes.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle smokiness and a beautiful color to the finished dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the sauce with a touch of tangy sweetness and rich color.
- Beef broth (1/2 cup): Adds depth and helps blend the flavors into a savory, cohesive sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to that dreamy, creamy texture we all crave in comfort food.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Brings salty, nutty complexity that melts right into the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups): Delivers melty, gooey, cheesy goodness for that irresistible stretch.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness, color, and the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Beef Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until it’s just al dente — you want it to have a bit of bite since it’ll cook a little more in the sauce later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is the foundation for Creamy Beef Pasta, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown until there’s no pink left, and if there’s excess fat, be sure to drain it off. This gives the dish its hearty, meaty flavor and keeps the sauce from feeling greasy.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Toss in the diced onion and let it sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until it’s soft and fragrant. Then, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute so the spices can bloom and the garlic can mellow out, making the base for a deliciously complex sauce.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add the tomato paste and cook it for a minute, stirring constantly. This caramelizes the tomato paste and amps up the flavor. Pour in the beef broth, give everything a good stir, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Now’s when the magic starts to happen!
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Reduce the heat, then stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and one cup of shredded mozzarella, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. This step is what transforms your skillet into the ultimate Creamy Beef Pasta — rich, smooth, and absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Finish
Add your drained pasta right into the skillet and toss everything together so each piece is coated in that glorious sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top, let it melt, and garnish with a little chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Creamy Beef Pasta
Garnishes
A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley really brightens up the plate and adds a pop of color. If you love cheese, a little extra Parmesan grated over the top right before serving makes every bite even more decadent. For a hint of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes is a fun twist.
Side Dishes
Creamy Beef Pasta is wonderful all on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try serving it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is another classic companion that’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Even a simple steamed broccoli or asparagus adds a nice, fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the pasta straight from the skillet for a rustic, homey vibe. If you want to get a little fancy, portion it into individual bowls and top each with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of herbs. Hosting a party? Try baking the finished pasta in a casserole dish with an extra layer of mozzarella on top for a bubbly, golden finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Beef Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just be sure to let it cool before storing to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that creamy sauces can sometimes separate a little after freezing, but a good stir will usually bring it right back together.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Either way, it comes out just as creamy and comforting as when it was freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives and work beautifully with the creamy sauce. You can even use ground pork or a plant-based ground for a vegetarian twist.
What pasta shapes work best for Creamy Beef Pasta?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli are perfect because they hold onto the creamy sauce so well. However, you can use whatever pasta you have on hand — just make sure to cook it al dente.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes add extra flavor and texture. Just stir them in when you add the onions or fold in leafy greens at the end so they wilt into the sauce.
Is Creamy Beef Pasta spicy?
By default, this dish is more savory than spicy, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring up the heat if you love a little kick.
How can I make Creamy Beef Pasta gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your beef broth and seasonings are gluten-free as well. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so the swap is easy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a skillet of Creamy Beef Pasta bubbling away on the stove — it promises comfort, warmth, and happy faces around the table. If you’re looking for a dish that’s as easy as it is impressive, give this recipe a try and see how quickly it disappears. Enjoy every bite!
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Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This creamy beef pasta is a rich and comforting American main course featuring tender pasta coated in a luscious cheese and cream sauce with seasoned ground beef. It’s a perfect easy weeknight dinner that combines hearty flavors of tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and savory cheeses for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta & Meat
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables and Season: Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste and Broth: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat, then stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy beef sauce.
- Finish with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top and allow it to melt before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- This dish reheats well and is great for meal prepping in advance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
