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Irresistible Creamy Beef Pasta

A rich, high-protein dinner featuring tender ground beef and pasta in a velvety cheese sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 10-12 oz pasta penne, fusilli, or shells work best
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large skillet or deep pan
  • colander
  • wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside without rinsing.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and let sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a crust, then break apart with a spatula. Cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes total. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Gradually stir in shredded cheese, allowing each addition to melt before adding more, until sauce is smooth and velvety.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat every piece in the creamy beef sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot in shallow bowls.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a tablespoon of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Substitutions: Use ground turkey or Italian sausage for different flavors. Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Make-ahead: Brown beef and sauté aromatics up to a day ahead, then continue with sauce when ready to serve. High Protein Boost: Add white beans or use high-protein pasta for even more protein per serving.