Name: Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 12 oz pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne); 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Indulge in a rich and satisfying dish with this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta—a quick and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pan wonder brings together tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a luscious, creamy sauce for a hearty and flavorful dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a family-friendly meal ready in no time!

A Comforting and Creamy Pasta Dish

Nothing beats the combination of creamy pasta and savory ground beef. This dish is packed with flavor, offering a smooth, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, making it irresistible.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or a meal that satisfies cravings for something rich and creamy, this stovetop pasta recipe delivers the perfect balance of taste and convenience. Plus, it’s made in just one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash after enjoying this delicious meal!

Ingredients for Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

To create this rich and creamy pasta dish, you’ll need a combination of simple ingredients that come together to make a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ground Beef – Lean ground beef works best, providing rich flavor without excessive grease. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Pasta – Short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or penne works well because it holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Onion & Garlic – A classic flavor base that adds depth to the dish. Freshly minced garlic and diced onions enhance the overall taste.
Beef Broth – Adds a savory, meaty richness to the sauce while helping to cook the pasta.
Heavy Cream – Gives the dish its signature creamy texture, making the sauce smooth and indulgent.
Cheese – A combination of shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety, cheesy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Tomato Paste – A touch of tomato paste balances the creaminess with a slight tang and enhances the beefy flavor.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that brings a well-rounded flavor to the dish.
Salt & Pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.

How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

This stovetop pasta dish is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy evenings. Follow these steps to create a delicious meal in no time!

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add a little oil if needed, then sauté the diced onions until they turn soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings

Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This helps build a deep, savory flavor that enhances the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta in Broth

Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot, stirring occasionally. Let it cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Then, add the shredded cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. The sauce should be thick, creamy, and well-coated on the pasta.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and mix everything together. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra cheese on top. Enjoy your creamy, comforting stovetop pasta!

How Long to Cook Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Cooking times for this dish may vary depending on the type of pasta used and the heat level. Here are some general guidelines to ensure perfect results:

Browning the Ground Beef – Takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Be sure to break the meat apart as it cooks.
Sautéing Onions and Garlic – Around 3-4 minutes until fragrant and soft.
Cooking the Pasta – Typically 10-12 minutes, depending on the pasta shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Melting Cheese into the Sauce – About 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.

Total cooking time is approximately 25 minutes, making this a quick and convenient meal.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have extra servings, this pasta dish stores well for future meals. Follow these tips for the best storage results:

Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezer – While this pasta can be frozen, the cream sauce may slightly change in texture. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta

Make your Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta even better with these helpful tips:

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Shredding cheese fresh ensures a smoother, creamier texture.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency – If the sauce thickens too much, add a little broth or cream to loosen it.
Season in Layers – Adding salt and seasoning at different stages helps deepen the overall flavor.
Try Different Proteins – Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
Add Vegetables – Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or bowties works well. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used.

2. Can I make this without heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little butter.

3. How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the pasta will absorb some of the sauce over time. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back its creamy consistency.

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Author: Sally Thompson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. Tender pasta is simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with seasoned ground beef, making it a perfect weeknight dinner the whole family will love!

Instructions

Brown the Beef – Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics – In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion until soft (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Tomato Paste & Seasonings – Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
Cook the Pasta – Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add uncooked pasta, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Make the Creamy Sauce – Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
Combine & Serve – Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet, mixing everything together. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.