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Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is showcased in this delicious-looking featured image.

Amazing Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Transform simple ground beef into a comforting and elegant pasta dish. This recipe uses a blend of dairy and starchy pasta water to create a perfectly creamy and flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or shells
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • large pot
  • colander
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions.
  7. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  8. Reduce the heat to low.
  9. Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Be careful not to boil, as this can cause the sauce to curdle.
  10. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.
  11. Add the Parmesan cheese and a splash of pasta water, if needed, to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use a higher fat content ground beef. Be sure to brown the ground beef well to develop a deep, savory flavor. Reserve more pasta water than you think you'll need - you can always add more to reach the perfect sauce consistency. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.