You know that feeling when you walk in the door and you just want something cozy and easy bubbling on the stove? That’s exactly where this Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe comes in. It’s hearty, rich, and full of homey flavor, like a warm hug on a Wednesday night. We’re talking tender pasta coated in a silky beef cream sauce, all made right on the stovetop with real ingredients and love. If you’ve got a pound of ground beef and a craving for comfort, well, we’ve got dinner figured out.
Ingredients
Ground beef: This is the heart of the dish, bringing richness and depth. Use 80/20 for full flavor, or lean if you prefer it lighter.
Yellow onion: It softens into the background, adding sweetness and balance to the beefy base.
Garlic cloves: Just a couple go a long way. They lift the whole dish with a warm, mellow bite.
Pasta: Any short shape will do. Shells, penne, or rotini hold that sauce in all the right places.
Beef broth: Adds savory depth and helps build the sauce without thinning it too much.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce luscious and silky. It thickens as it simmers and wraps around every bite.
Velveeta or cheddar: For that melty, creamy finish, Velveeta melts smooth, while cheddar adds sharpness.
Paprika and Italian seasoning: These round out the flavors with warmth and herbal notes that don’t overpower.
Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings that bring everything into balance. Taste as you go.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of green and freshness right before serving.
Step by Step Instructions
Start by heating a wide, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up as you go. Once it’s no longer pink, go ahead and drain off any extra fat if needed.
Stir in your chopped onion and let it cook until soft and golden, about five minutes. You want those onions sweet and jammy. Then add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, maybe one minute more.
Sprinkle in your paprika and Italian seasoning, and let them bloom right in the pan. This step wakes up the spices and gives you a head start on flavor.
Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Now stir in the heavy cream and pasta. Give it a good stir to make sure all the pasta is coated and submerged. Cover the pan and let it cook over medium-low heat for about ten to twelve minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is tender, remove the lid and add your cheese. Stir until it’s melted and smooth. The sauce will thicken as it stands, so don’t worry if it seems a bit loose at first.
Taste and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle on parsley if you’re feeling fancy, then grab a big spoon because it’s ready to serve.
Mistakes to Avoid
Using the wrong pasta can trip you up. This creamy ground beef pasta recipe really shines when you use shapes that catch sauce, like rotini or shells. Avoid spaghetti or long noodles; they just don’t hug the sauce the same way.
Don’t rush the simmer. Letting the pasta and sauce cook together gives the flavors time to marry and thickens the cream into that dreamy texture we’re after.
Be careful with the salt. Some beef broth and cheese are already salty, so wait to taste before you add more.
And lastly, don’t skip the stirring. Creamy sauces love to stick to the bottom if left unattended, especially with pasta in the pan.
Pro Tips
For an extra depth of flavor, brown the beef in two stages. First, let one side sit untouched in the pan until it gets that rich, caramelized crust, then break it up and finish cooking. It brings out something special.
If you’re short on time, use pre-chopped onions or frozen garlic cubes. This dish is forgiving and flexible.
You can stir in a spoonful of sour cream at the end for a slight tang, especially if you’re leaning toward a stroganoff vibe like a Velveeta creamy beef stroganoff skillet.
Need to stretch the dish? Add a handful of frozen peas or chopped spinach in the last few minutes. It’s an easy way to sneak in a veggie without changing the flavor too much.
If you’re reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or broth to bring the creaminess back. It revives the sauce without thinning it too much.
Serving Suggestions
This dish doesn’t need much on the side, but a crisp green salad adds a fresh contrast to all that richness. Think romaine, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Some crusty garlic bread wouldn’t hurt either. You want something to swipe up every last bit of that creamy ground beef goodness.
If you’re serving a crowd, pair this with a warm veggie side like roasted green beans or honey-glazed carrots for a full meal.
Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
Equipment
- Skillet or Dutch Oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred for flavor
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups pasta shells, penne or rotini
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups Velveeta or cheddar cheese cubed or shredded
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, optional
Instructions
- Heat a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Sprinkle in paprika and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and let the spices bloom for 1 minute.
- Pour in beef broth and stir in the heavy cream and dry pasta. Stir well to coat pasta evenly and ensure it’s submerged.
- Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until pasta is tender.
- Uncover, add cheese, and stir until melted and creamy. Let the sauce thicken slightly before serving.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Looking for another cozy meal idea? You might like this easy shrimp and sausage gumbo, or try the hearty chili macaroni if you’re in a chili kind of mood. And don’t miss the easy chicken and gravy stovetop when you want more creamy comfort in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my creamy beef pasta sauce too thin?
If your sauce feels watery, it may just need a few more minutes to simmer uncovered. Keep the heat low and let it reduce slowly. The starch from the pasta and the cheese will help it thicken naturally as it rests.
Can I make this creamy ground beef pasta ahead of time?
Yes, and it actually tastes better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Watch it closely as it cooks in the sauce. You want it al dente, not overdone. Stir occasionally and check the texture around the ten minute mark to be safe.
Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?
You sure can. Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage work well in this creamy pasta recipe. Just be sure to season well and adjust your broth choice if needed.
Let’s Wrap It Up
There’s something about a creamy ground beef recipe that feels like home. This one’s easy, flexible, and full of comfort. Whether you’re feeding your family or just yourself with plenty for leftovers, this creamy ground beef pasta recipe will keep you coming back. It’s the kind of meal you make once and add to your forever file.
For another take on creamy beef and pasta, you might enjoy this helpful guide to Creamy Beef and Shells from AllRecipes. It’s another great variation to tuck into your weeknight rotation.
