EASY STOVETOP CREAMY GROUND BEEF PASTA DINNER

I remember those weeknights when my mom, a true magician in the kitchen, would whip up something comforting and delicious with minimal fuss, and more often than not it was a creamy pasta dish. Now, I’m sharing a recipe that brings back those comforting memories, an easy Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort food that you can have on the table in under 30 minutes!

Let’s Get Cooking: What You’ll Need for the Best Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Okay, friend, before we dive into the magic of this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Dinner, let’s make sure we have all our ingredients prepped and ready to go. This isn’t a complicated recipe, but having everything measured and within reach will make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. Think of it as our little mise en place moment – a chefy way of saying “everything in its place!”

The Ingredient Lineup: Your Shopping List

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 is great for flavor, but lean works too).
• Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. I personally love using penne, rotini, or bow ties for this recipe, but anything works!
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, diced.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced (or use garlic powder in a pinch).
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons. This adds a depth of flavor and richness to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: 2 cups. Low sodium is best so you can control the salt level.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup. This is what makes it creamy! You can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. This adds a lovely tang and helps thicken the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. A blend of herbs that adds that classic Italian flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy! Seasoning is key.
• Optional Toppings: Shredded Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes.

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions: Making it Your Own

One of the best things about cooking is that it’s all about adapting recipes to your taste and what you have on hand. So, if you don’t have something on the list, don’t fret! Here are a few substitutions you can make:

• Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Pasta: Any pasta shape will work! Gluten-free pasta is also a great option.
• Heavy Cream: As I mentioned earlier, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use milk, but the sauce will be thinner. For a dairy-free option, try using full-fat coconut milk (the kind in the can).
• Cream Cheese: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt. Add it at the very end, after you take the pasta off the heat, to prevent it from curdling.
• Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own blend by combining equal parts dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

Step-by-Step: Cooking Your Creamy Ground Beef Pasta to Perfection

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Dinner is so simple to make, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t been making it all along. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Place a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over.
3. Drain off any excess grease. This is important! You don’t want a greasy pasta dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This will add a depth of flavor to the sauce.
2. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Those browned bits are flavor bombs!
3. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. If not, add a little more beef broth or water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the pasta is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Step 5: Make it Creamy

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in the heavy cream.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately, garnished with shredded Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
2. Enjoy your delicious and comforting Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Dinner!

Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the easiest recipes can sometimes have a few hiccups. Here are some common mistakes people make when making Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Dinner and how to avoid them:

• Pasta sticking to the bottom of the skillet: To prevent this, stir the pasta frequently while it’s cooking. You can also add a little more liquid if needed.
• Sauce is too thick: Add a little more beef broth or water to thin it out.
• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes, uncovered, to allow it to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it quickly.
• Cream cheese doesn’t melt smoothly: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the sauce. You can also cut it into small pieces to help it melt more easily.
• Sauce curdles: This can happen if you add acidic ingredients (like tomatoes) to dairy. To prevent this, add the cream cheese and heavy cream at the very end, after you take the pasta off the heat.
• Bland Flavor: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Add more salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a kick.

Variations and Add-Ins: Level Up Your Pasta Game

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore some ways to customize it and make it even more exciting! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Sauté some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach along with the onion and garlic for a more nutritious meal.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Add Cheese: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or provolone cheese along with the cream cheese for an extra cheesy sauce.
• Make it a Bake: Transfer the cooked pasta and sauce to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Add some greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrients and a pop of color.

If you are looking for another ground beef recipe, consider making Cabbage Beef Bake, it is a one-pan recipe that is sure to please.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Dinner is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

• Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich and creamy pasta.
• Serve with garlic bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Serve with steamed vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy side dishes.
• Top with a dollop of ricotta cheese: Adds a cool and creamy contrast to the warm pasta.

For a more veggie forward meal, try Vegetable Beef Soup for a hearty and warming meal.

Storage and Reheating: Making the Most of Your Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely, because this stuff is addictive!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little bit of beef broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

This pasta is also a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it or reheat it on the stovetop. Just be sure to add a little extra liquid when reheating, as the pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits.

If you’re in the mood for more pasta meals, you should give Philly Cheese Steak Pasta a try! Or maybe even the Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Your Creamy Pasta Queries Answered

I know you might have some questions swirling around, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones I get about this recipe:

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Penne, rotini, shells, or even spaghetti all work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. You can also add extra vegetables for a heartier meal.
• Can I freeze this pasta? While you *can* freeze it, the texture of the sauce might change slightly upon thawing due to the dairy content. If you do freeze it, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
• How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy? The key is to not overcook the pasta. Cook it until it’s al dente (slightly firm to the bite), as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
• Can I add tomatoes to this recipe? Yes, you can add a can of diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes to the sauce for a more tomato-based flavor. Just reduce the amount of beef broth accordingly.

Feeling inspired to change it up even more? Try whipping up Chili Mac for a flavorful twist! Or, if you are looking for something with a baked finish, Million Dollar Spaghetti is a winner!

Final Thoughts: Your Ticket to Weeknight Dinner Success

There you have it, my friend – a foolproof recipe for a Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Dinner that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. This dish is not just about convenience; it’s about creating moments, sharing laughter, and savoring the simple joys of life around a comforting bowl of pasta. So, go ahead, give it a try, and prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Happy cooking!

Easy Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Dinner

This creamy ground beef pasta is a quick and easy stovetop dinner perfect for busy weeknights. It combines ground beef, pasta, and a creamy sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef 80/20
• 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or bow ties
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth low sodium
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded Parmesan cheese optional, for topping
• Fresh parsley optional, for topping
• Red pepper flakes optional, for topping

Equipment

• Large skillet or pot
• Spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• knife
• cutting board
• Colander (optional, for draining beef)
• Lid for skillet or pot

Method

 

1. Place a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over.
3. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
7. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
8. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
9. Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. If not, add a little more beef broth or water.
10. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the pasta is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
11. Remove the skillet from the heat.
12. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
13. Stir in the heavy cream.
14. Serve immediately, garnished with shredded Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use 80/20 ground beef. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. Any pasta shape will work. Half-and-half or milk can be used instead of heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Sour cream or Greek yogurt can be used instead of cream cheese, added at the very end. Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a more nutritious meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet, adding a little broth or water if needed.