There’s nothing better than a hearty, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes! If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that’s both kid-friendly and budget-friendly, this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is the answer.
With tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, a rich creamy sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is pure comfort food in every bite. Plus, since it’s made entirely on the stovetop in one pan, you’ll save time on cleanup!
Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutrition breakdown, expert tips, and fun variations to make this pasta even more delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
✔️ One-Pot Meal – Fewer dishes, more flavor.
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Simple, affordable ingredients.
✔️ Super Creamy – A rich sauce that coats every bite.
✔️ Customizable – Add veggies, spice, or different cheeses!
Ingredients (in grams)
For the Pasta:
- 250g pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni work best)
- 1L water or beef broth (for cooking pasta)
For the Creamy Ground Beef Sauce:
- 450g ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 1 medium onion (150g), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic (10g), minced
- 30g unsalted butter
- 20g all-purpose flour (to thicken)
- 500ml whole milk
- 250ml beef broth
- 200g shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 100g cream cheese
- 1 tsp salt (5g)
- ½ tsp black pepper (2g)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (2g)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (2g)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Extra cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot or deep skillet, bring water or beef broth to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and set aside, but keep ½ cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir well to combine.
- Slowly pour in beef broth and milk, stirring constantly.
- Add cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in shredded cheese, letting it melt completely into the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and mix well.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese.
- Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and meaty pasta dish!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 550
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and ingredient brands.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Creamy Beef Pasta
✔️ Use Beef Broth for Cooking Pasta – It adds extra flavor to the dish!
✔️ For a Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
✔️ For Extra Flavor – Add red pepper flakes or Worcestershire sauce.
✔️ For a Cheesier Pasta – Stir in Parmesan or gouda with the cheddar.
✔️ To Store & Reheat – Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk.
Creative Variations
🥦 Add Veggies – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition.
🌶️ Make It Spicy – Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños.
🧀 Three-Cheese Version – Use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
🥩 Make It with Chicken – Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
🥓 Bacon Lover’s Twist – Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor!
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