If you’re searching for that perfect comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, flavorful ground beef with a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of perfectly cooked pasta. This dish brings together simplicity and richness in such a satisfying way that once you try it, it will undoubtedly become a staple in your home cooking rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family or dinner guests, it’s a recipe that delivers heartwarming satisfaction without fuss.

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this delightful dish. Each item plays a crucial role in building up layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible creamy consistency that defines this recipe.

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): Choose shapes that hold the sauce well, making every bite creamy and satisfying.
1 lb ground beef: The rich base protein that adds hearty flavor and substance.
1 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for sautéing onions and garlic, adding a silky background richness.
1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts an aromatic punch that elevates the savory notes.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and complexity.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat that balances the creaminess.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a slight kick.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates a touch of sweetness and acidity to brighten the sauce.
1 cup beef broth: Builds a savory, meaty base for that creamy sauce.
1/2 cup heavy cream: The secret to the sauce’s decadently smooth texture.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor depth to the creaminess.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to create that irresistible gooey, cheesy layer.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Offers a fresh, vibrant touch and color pop.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt here seasons the pasta from within. Cook your pasta until it is just al dente; you want it firm with a slight bite so it holds up beautifully when mixed with the creamy sauce. Drain and set it aside while you prepare the hearty beef mixture.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent, about three to four minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant. Now’s the time to add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until it is fully browned. This stage builds the base flavor and ensures the beef has an appealing texture. Drain any excess fat if your beef is particularly fatty.

Step 3: Incorporate Seasonings and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them, then stir in the tomato paste. Cook all of this together for about two minutes to develop the rich, savory notes that will shine through in the final dish.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Cream

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, giving everything a good stir. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. This is where your pasta sauce starts to turn into that silky, creamy goodness that makes this recipe so irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheeses

Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with your creamy beef sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses, allowing them to melt fully and create a luscious coating on every piece of pasta. Give it a final stir to combine everything evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve this comforting delight hot.

How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a subtle freshness that balances the richness perfectly. For an extra touch, you could also add a few red pepper flakes or a grating of extra Parmesan right before serving.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also complement the flavors and add a nutritious balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this dish family-style in a large, rustic serving bowl straight from the skillet to keep the warmth and coziness intact. For a fun twist, you can layer it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and broil it briefly for a golden, bubbly crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, transfer any leftovers of this Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner solution.

Freezing

If you want to save it longer, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container. To avoid the pasta becoming mushy, consider undercooking it slightly before freezing. It will keep well for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems dry. This will help bring back its creamy texture and rich flavor beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Penne and rotini are great because they hold the sauce well, but you can also use fusilli, shells, or even farfalle. Just pick a shape that’s sturdy enough to carry the creamy sauce.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk to reduce fat content, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. A cornstarch slurry can help thicken it if you go this route.

What can I add to increase the veggie content?

Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be wonderful additions. Sauté them along with the onions or add spinach towards the end to wilt it into the sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The cream and cheese will still provide a creamy, comforting experience.

How spicy is this pasta with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle, warming heat that complements the flavors without overpowering the dish. You can easily omit them or adjust the quantity to match your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

There is something so wonderfully satisfying about a dish like this Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe—simple ingredients transforming into a rich, comforting meal that feels special but comes together with ease. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do. This recipe is perfect for cozy weeknights or anytime you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something deliciously homemade.

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

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3.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Ground Beef Pasta recipe combines tender pasta with a rich, flavorful beef and cream sauce, topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with different proteins or veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)

Beef Mixture

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream

Cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
Season and combine: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and tomato paste. Cook for about 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Incorporate pasta and cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until thoroughly melted and creamy, coating the pasta evenly.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top if desired, and serve the creamy ground beef pasta hot for the best taste.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a leaner option.
Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and add more flavor.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta to maintain the perfect al dente texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American