Nothing beats a hearty, creamy pasta dish that’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for busy nights. This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a velvety, cheesy sauce—all made in under 30 minutes!
If you love classic beef stroganoff, mac and cheese, or a good homemade hamburger helper, this dish will be your new go-to. It’s simple, satisfying, and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for families or anyone craving a comforting meal without the hassle.
Let’s dive into this delicious stovetop pasta recipe that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 400g ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 70g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 9g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (2g)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (2.5g)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (2g)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (15g)
- 500ml beef broth
- 250ml heavy cream
- 250ml milk
- 250g uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 150g shredded cheddar cheese
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and tomato paste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta in the Same Pan
- Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and milk, stirring well to combine.
- Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pan, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the pasta. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar on top.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx. 4 Servings)
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 850mg
Tips & Tricks for the Best Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
🔥 Use the Right Pasta – Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni works best in this dish because it holds onto the creamy sauce.
🧀 Choose Quality Cheese – For the best melt and flavor, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
🍅 Make It Tomato-Based – If you prefer a more tomato-forward dish, add ½ cup (120ml) of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes when you add the broth.
🥩 Swap the Meat – This dish is just as delicious with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
🌱 Vegetarian Option – Skip the meat and add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
Creative Variations to Try
🧄 Garlic Butter Beef Pasta – Add extra garlic and a tablespoon of butter at the end for a richer, buttery flavor.
🌶️ Spicy Kick – Stir in red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the finished dish for some heat.
🫘 One-Pot Chili Mac – Add kidney beans, black beans, or a touch of chili powder for a Tex-Mex inspired pasta.
🍳 Cheeseburger Pasta Bake – Transfer the cooked pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes until bubbly.
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