Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
A rich and comforting one-pan meal, this Creamy Ground Beef Pasta features tender pasta simmered in a luscious cheese and cream sauce with savory ground beef, onions, and spices perfect for cozy weeknights.
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
Use rotini or shell pasta for the best sauce capture. Stir often to prevent sticking. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating leftovers to restore creaminess. Feel free to customize with vegetables like peas or spinach near the end of cooking.