Name: Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces short pasta (penne or rotini); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’re in the mood for something cozy, satisfying, and pure comfort in a bowl, Creamy Beef Pasta is about to steal your heart (and maybe your weekly dinner rotation). Picture tender pasta swirls enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce dotted with savory ground beef, aromatics, and a hint of Parmesan for sophistication. This one-pot wonder comes together in just 30 minutes and is sure to become a family favorite, whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. Creamy Beef Pasta ticks every box: simple, crowd-pleasing, and delightfully indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Beef Pasta lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each element serves a purpose: from adding depth and savoriness, to boosting the creamy texture, and giving the final dish that signature “just one more bite” appeal.

Olive oil: Infuses the base with a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the beef evenly.
Ground beef (1 pound): Brings hearty, meaty flavor and satisfying protein.
Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Adds gentle sweetness and essential depth to the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Delivers a punchy aroma and balanced savoriness to the mix.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Gives a hint of herby complexity and warmth in every bite.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Coaxes out all the other flavors and enhances the sauce.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers subtle heat and balance to the creamy base.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the umami and adds a beautiful color to your sauce.
Beef broth (2 cups): Adds robust depth and helps cook the pasta to perfection right in the pan.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret behind that luscious, silky texture we’re after.
Short pasta (8 ounces, penne or rotini): Perfect for trapping all the juicy sauce in every nook and cranny.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds nutty, salty richness and brings everything together at the end.
Chopped fresh parsley: A final pop of freshness and color to make the plate sing.

How to Make Creamy Beef Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as you go. Watch for that beautiful browning—that’s when the layers of flavor start to build. If your beef releases extra fat, just drain a bit so you keep the final dish perfectly balanced, not greasy.

Step 2: Soften the Aromatics

Push the beef to one side and add your diced onion. Let it soften for about 3–4 minutes, stirring every so often so it mingles with the beef. When the onions go from raw to sweetly translucent, it’s time to stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let those bloom together for about a minute—this is where the aroma gets irresistible.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Spoon in the tomato paste and stir well until everything is coated. This step takes the beef from simply savory to deeply flavorful. The concentrated tomato paste packs umami and color, setting the scene for a truly special Creamy Beef Pasta sauce.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth, Cream, and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and creamy heavy cream all at once, then stir in your uncooked pasta. Everything cooks together, so the pasta soaks up all that rich, beefy goodness directly—no need for a separate pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, lower the heat, cover, and let the magic happen. Stir occasionally for about 12–15 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened up luxuriously.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Parsley

Once the pasta is al dente, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into silky ribbons throughout your Creamy Beef Pasta. This is where the sauce hits peak creaminess. Top with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and serve it up hot while everyone’s lining up for seconds.

How to Serve Creamy Beef Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkle a dusting of extra Parmesan over each bowl and add a handful of freshly chopped parsley for brightness. A few cracks of black pepper or even a drizzle of good olive oil can add an extra special touch. If you’re in the mood, red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat that’s perfect for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

Fresh, crusty bread is unbeatable for soaking up every drop of creamy sauce. Pair Creamy Beef Pasta with a side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or serve alongside simple roasted vegetables for balance. Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach make terrific, easy companions as well.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish shines in big bowls, family-style, right from the pan. For a dinner party, scoop Creamy Beef Pasta into ramekins and broil briefly with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden top. Serve mini portions in cups for a fun appetizer twist at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the pasta cool before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, Creamy Beef Pasta will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but a splash of broth or cream will bring it right back to life when reheating.

Freezing

Creamy Beef Pasta actually freezes quite well, especially if you undercook the pasta just slightly. Allow the dish to cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating so the sauce maintains its best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until everything is creamy and piping hot. The microwave works too—just stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Beef Pasta gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap regular penne or rotini for your favorite gluten-free short pasta. Be sure to check that your beef broth is certified gluten-free as well for a completely safe dish.

What’s the best type Main Course

Lean ground beef, like 90/10 or 85/15, works beautifully and strikes the right balance between flavor and texture. If using something fattier, simply drain the extra grease before adding the sauce ingredients.

Can I add vegetables to Creamy Beef Pasta?

Definitely! Toss in a couple of handfuls of baby spinach or some sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra color and nutrition. Zucchini, peas, or bell peppers are fantastic options, too—add them during the simmering step so they cook perfectly with the pasta.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are made for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you have fusilli or shells on hand, those will work nicely, too.

Can I make this Creamy Beef Pasta ahead for a party?

Yes! You can prepare Creamy Beef Pasta a few hours in advance and gently reheat it, adding a splash of broth or cream just before serving. Perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, foolproof dinner that delivers both flavor and comfort in every bite, Creamy Beef Pasta deserves a spot on your table. Give it a try, and just wait for the rave reviews from whoever’s lucky enough to join you. Happy cooking!

Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 25 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 easy one-pot Creamy Beef Pasta. With flavorful ground beef, savory seasonings, and a velvety sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces short pasta (penne or rotini)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant.
Add Sauces: Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, and heavy cream.
Cook Pasta: Add uncooked pasta to the skillet. Simmer until pasta is tender.
Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan until creamy. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.