Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender ground beef, pasta, and a rich creamy sauce, this dish comes together in one pan for easy cleanup and satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the beef and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in the pasta along with enough water or broth to cover the pasta completely. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and cheese until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Serve warm, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use broth instead of water when cooking the pasta for extra flavor.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a nutritious boost.
- Substitute cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce, but reduce cooking time to prevent curdling.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, most short pastas work well in this recipe, such as penne, rotini, or shells. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta type.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer and use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it creamy and flavorful.
PrintCreamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
A quick and comforting stovetop creamy ground beef pasta that combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce topped with melted cheese for a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (such as elbow macaroni or penne)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend)
Others
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for cooking beef)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook thoroughly until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. If desired, add olive oil or butter for richness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it does not burn.
- Add pasta and liquid: Add uncooked pasta directly to the skillet with the beef. Pour in enough water or broth to just cover the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Stir in cream and cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Add the shredded cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a lower-fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use any pasta shape you like; smaller shapes work best as they cook evenly in the skillet.
- For added veggies, consider stirring in spinach or mushrooms after cooking the beef.
- This dish can be prepared using broth instead of water for extra flavor when cooking the pasta.
- Feel free to use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
Keywords: creamy ground beef pasta, stovetop pasta recipe, quick dinner, beef pasta skillet, creamy pasta sauce
