Best Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe Everyone Will Love

Culinary magic happens when creamy beef pasta meets your kitchen creativity.

Comfort and flavor blend seamlessly in this irresistible dish.

Pasta lovers crave something extraordinary that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Tender beef and silky sauce promise a delightful dining experience.

Rich textures and bold seasonings elevate this classic recipe beyond ordinary expectations.

Dive into a plate that will make you the star of dinner tonight.

What You’ll Toss Into Best Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

For the Pasta:
  • Penne, Rotini: Classic pasta shapes that hold the creamy sauce beautifully and provide a delightful texture to the dish.
For the Proteins:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the pasta dish.
For the Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Garlic, Onion: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory base flavor for the sauce.
  • Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Classic Italian herbs that enhance the meaty sauce with authentic Mediterranean notes.
For the Liquids and Dairy:
  • Heavy Cream, Milk: Creamy ingredients that create a luxurious and smooth sauce with a velvety texture.
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth and intensifies the overall meaty flavor of the dish.
For the Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors of the other ingredients.
For the Finishing Touch:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty note and creates a delicious melted topping for the pasta.
For the Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for sautĂ©ing and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the dish.

How To Make Best Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe Step By Step

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook penne and rotini in a large pot of salted water until tender but firm. Drain and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until they release their fragrant aroma and become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains and the meat develops a rich, golden-brown color.

Step 4: Season the Meat

Enhance the beef with a blend of herbs and spices:
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried basil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir well to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the meat.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour liquids into the skillet:
  • Heavy cream
  • Milk
  • Beef broth

Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and develops a luxurious consistency.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring each pasta piece gets fully coated with the rich, flavorful sauce.

Step 7: Add Cheese Topping

Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top. Let the residual heat work its magic, slightly melting the cheese.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta immediately while piping hot. Optional: Garnish with additional parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips For The Creamiest Beef Pasta Ever

  • Select High-Quality Pasta: Choose fresh, premium penne and rotini for the best texture and ability to hold sauce effectively.
  • Achieve Perfect Meat Browning: Cook ground beef until deep golden brown for maximum flavor development and rich caramelization.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce slowly and stir frequently to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
  • Optimize Seasoning Balance: Add herbs and spices gradually, tasting as you go to create a harmonious flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
  • Enhance Cheese Melting: Let residual heat gently melt parmesan cheese for a silky, glossy finish that distributes evenly throughout the pasta.

Tasty Variations On Best Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

  • Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini made from rice, corn, or quinoa flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a splash of white wine for an elevated, zesty Mediterranean-inspired pasta experience.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that still delivers robust taste.

What To Serve With Best Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to match the rich beef and creamy sauce, cutting through the dish's hearty flavors.
  • Balance with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to contrast the heavy pasta, adding refreshing acidity and balanced nutrition.
  • Enhance with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, providing extra texture and complementary herbal notes.
  • Accompany with Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with light seasoning to introduce a healthy vegetable element that brightens the meal's overall profile.

How To Store Best Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe The Right Way

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. The pasta will maintain quality for up to 2 months when frozen at 0°F. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces, as they may separate upon thawing.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel.

Best Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe Questions—Answered

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne and rotini with other short pasta like farfalle or shells. Just ensure cooking times match the pasta type.

  • Is ground turkey a good alternative to beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and creates a leaner version of this dish. Cook it the same way as ground beef.

  • How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper during the meat seasoning stage. Start with a small amount and adjust to your heat preference.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the meat sauce in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently and mix with freshly cooked pasta before serving to maintain texture.

Why Best Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe Is A Weeknight Hero

  • Conquer Comfort Cooking: A hearty one-pan meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner with minimal kitchen hassle.
  • Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: Quick preparation and cooking process means you can have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Creamy, savory beef sauce with perfectly seasoned meat creates a dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making family mealtime a delightful experience.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for simple ingredient swaps or additions like fresh herbs, different cheese types, or extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences.
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Best Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Best Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Delightful Creamy Beef Pasta brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table. Silky noodles swirled with rich, savory beef sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 450 g / 1 lb penne pasta
  • 250 g / 8 oz rotini pasta

Beef and Sauce:

  • 500 g / 1.1 lb ground beef
  • 240 ml / 1 cup heavy cream
  • 120 ml / 1/2 cup milk
  • 60 ml / 1/4 cup beef broth

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne and rotini pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Mince garlic and finely dice onion, then sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper over the meat. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  5. Pour heavy cream, milk, and beef broth into the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  6. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring every pasta piece is coated with the rich sauce.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top. Let the residual heat melt the cheese slightly.
  8. Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Choose shorter pasta shapes like rotini or penne to help sauce cling better and create more textural interest in each bite.
  • Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich meat flavor in the sauce.
  • Allow meat to develop deep golden-brown caramelization before adding liquids to enhance overall dish complexity and depth.
  • Consider substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter versions that still maintain creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 630
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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