Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

This creamy ground beef pasta has become my go-to solution for those evenings when I need a satisfying dinner on the table quickly. The rich sauce clings perfectly to every bite of pasta, while the savory ground beef makes it hearty enough to please even the hungriest family members.

I first created this recipe when my sister dropped by unexpectedly with her hungry teenagers. It was an instant hit, and now it's requested at nearly every family gathering we have.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The foundation of flavor in this dish, choose 85% lean for the best balance of flavor and texture without excessive grease
• Diced onion: Creates a sweet aromatic base that complements the beef beautifully
• Minced garlic: Adds depth and complexity, use fresh cloves for the most vibrant flavor
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors
• Tomato sauce: Provides tanginess and rich color, look for brands without added sugar
• Beef broth: Creates the cooking liquid for the pasta while infusing it with savory notes
• Pasta: Choose shapes with nooks and ridges that will capture the creamy sauce
• Shredded cheese: Creates the signature gooey texture, freshly shredded melts much better than pre packaged
• Heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into something luxurious, do not substitute with milk
• Fresh parsley and Parmesan: Brightens the rich dish with color and a final layer of flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the beef:

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains and the edges begin to crisp slightly. This typically takes 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving just enough to sauté the vegetables.

Sauté aromatics:

Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until translucent and softened, about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn which would add bitterness.

Create the sauce base:

Season with salt and black pepper, then pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits contain concentrated flavor that will enrich your sauce.

Cook the pasta:

Add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid. Cover with a tight fitting lid, reduce heat to medium low, and let simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check that pasta cooks evenly.

Add dairy components:

Once the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Continue stirring gently until the cheese completely melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta.

Garnish and serve:

Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving immediately in warmed bowls.

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The beef broth is truly the secret ingredient in this dish. I discovered its importance when I once substituted water in a pinch, and the difference was remarkable. The broth infuses the pasta with a depth of flavor that transforms this from a simple pasta dish into something that tastes like it simmered all day.

Make Ahead Options

This pasta dish reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep. Cook the entire recipe, then portion into microwave safe containers. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to revitalize the sauce. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next day leftovers something to look forward to rather than settle for.

Ingredient Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully instead of beef for a lighter option. Plant based ground products also substitute well for a vegetarian version, just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef. For a dairy free alternative, coconut cream and dairy free cheese can replace the heavy cream and cheese, though the flavor profile will shift slightly toward the sweeter side.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty pasta stands perfectly on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For an extra special meal, serve with garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of the creamy sauce. A glass of medium bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti complements the savory flavors beautifully if serving to adults.

Common Queries

→ Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for the ground beef. Each will provide a different flavor profile, with turkey and chicken offering lighter options and Italian sausage adding more herbs and spice.

→ What pasta shapes work best for this dish?

Medium pasta shapes that hold sauce well are ideal, such as penne, rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti as it won't cook evenly in this one-pan method.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce as it tends to thicken when cooled.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic, use a spicy tomato sauce, add diced jalapeños, or mix in hot sauce to taste at the end of cooking.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half, whole milk with a tablespoon of flour, or cream cheese thinned with a bit of milk. Non-dairy alternatives include full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, though these will alter the flavor profile slightly.

→ What sides pair well with this pasta dish?

This hearty dish works well with light sides like a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or roasted broccoli. The creamy pasta balances nicely with something fresh and crisp.