Description
Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a comforting, one-pan dish that combines savory browned ground beef with tender pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato and beef broth mixture. Finished with rich heavy cream and melted cheese, this easy-to-make skillet meal delivers creamy, cheesy goodness perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Dairy
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef and cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Broth, Tomatoes, Seasoning, and Pasta: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, Italian seasoning, and the uncooked pasta. Mix everything well to combine.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should become tender and most of the liquid should absorb.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese into the cooked pasta mixture. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring gently until creamy, cheesy, and fully combined.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra richness, try a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheese.
- Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
- This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering ease and minimal cleanup.
