If you’re craving a comforting, hearty, and absolutely delicious one-pan meal, this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender pasta simmered right in a rich, luscious sauce made with ground beef, savory seasonings, and creamy cheese, all coming together in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, providing that cozy dinner feeling without a mountain of dishes to tackle afterward. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be a staple in your weekly rotation for busy nights and happy appetites alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible creamy consistency. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one counts.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the beef evenly.
- Ground beef: Adds hearty protein and forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Infuses sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic, minced: Delivers a punch of aromatic warmth that wakes up the whole dish.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings vibrant, savory notes.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance and balance all flavors perfectly.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that adds tang and richness.
- Beef broth: Provides a savory liquid base that cooks the pasta and deepens the meaty flavor.
- Heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly smooth, creamy sauce everyone loves.
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): Holds onto the sauce with their shapes and adds satisfying bite.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings umami and sharp creaminess when stirred in.
- Shredded mozzarella (optional): Melts into gooey, stringy goodness for extra indulgence.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh, bright garnish that adds color and a hint of herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with your spatula so it browns evenly. This step builds the meaty foundation of your dish and creates those delicious caramelized bits that elevate the flavor. Once browned, drain any excess grease if it seems too oily — you want richness without overwhelming heaviness.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion. Let it cook until softened and translucent, about three minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking for just 30 seconds more so the spices bloom and the aromas become irresistible. This layering is what makes this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe sing with flavor complexity.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now, mix the tomato paste into the beef mixture until it’s evenly blended. Then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. The heavy cream is key here for the luscious texture, giving the sauce its signature creamy richness that wraps around every pasta piece.
Step 4: Add the Pasta and Simmer
Stir in your dry pasta directly into the skillet mixture. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This method ensures the pasta cooks in the flavorful sauce, absorbing all those savory, creamy notes while the sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Serve
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick, stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella if you’re using it. These cheeses melt into velvety goodness, enriching the sauce and giving it that irresistible gooey charm. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Serve Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley adds perfectly balanced brightness and vibrant color to this creamy dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a savory or spicy kick to elevate the experience even more.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The richness of the creamy ground beef sauce benefits from something fresh or crunchy on the side, creating a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and varied in texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual skillet pans or deep bowls, letting the melted cheese pull and stretch with every scoop. You can also elevate the presentation by topping with sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach stirred right into the pasta before serving for added color and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, pack any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate. This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully for up to three days, making it a great choice for quick lunches or easy dinners the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for even longer, freeze the pasta in freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to two months. Just be mindful that the texture of cream sauces can sometimes change slightly upon thawing, but reheated gently, it still tastes fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it seems a bit thick. This will bring back the creamy consistency you loved when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic for this recipe, you can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that different meats may alter the overall flavor slightly but still work well with the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Additionally, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and mozzarella to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Definitely! This dish is versatile and welcomes extras like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Toss them in with the onions or stir in near the end of cooking to boost nutrition and flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Pasta shapes that have nooks and curves like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal. They trap the creamy sauce and bits of beef really well, giving you perfect bites every time.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan?
Stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers in the sauce and keep the heat low. The broth and cream provide enough liquid for the pasta to cook evenly, but gentle stirring keeps everything from sticking to the bottom.
Final Thoughts
This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is a true culinary hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that feels special yet is straightforward enough to whip up on any busy night. With richly flavored beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, this dish will earn a permanent spot in your dinner repertoire. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own personal touches to make it shine even brighter!
Print
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and comforting creamy ground beef pasta cooked entirely on the stovetop, featuring tender pasta simmered in a savory beef and cream sauce, finished with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for a deliciously hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- chopped parsley for garnish
Pantry Items
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and liquids: Stir in tomato paste until fully incorporated with the beef and aromatics. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine evenly.
- Cook the pasta: Add the dry pasta to the skillet and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Finish with cheese and garnish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella (if using) until melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra veggies, add spinach or mushrooms during the sautéing step.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
