The Juiciest Ground Beef Pasta Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Whipping up a delightful ground beef pasta promises a quick, satisfying meal for hungry households.

Savory meat blends seamlessly with tender noodles, creating a comforting dish everyone craves.

Weeknight dinners just became more exciting with this simple yet delicious combination.

Bold flavors emerge from perfectly seasoned beef and perfectly cooked pasta.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly these ingredients come together in one pan.

Mediterranean herbs and rich tomato sauce add depth to this classic comfort food.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those moments when hearty meals matter most.

Why Stovetop Beef Pasta Is Perfect For Busy Nights

• Craft Quick Comfort Meal: Perfect for busy families needing a satisfying dinner that comes together in minimal time without complicated steps.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: Combines hearty ground beef, rich cheese, and creamy sauce that appeals to both kids and adults with its delicious taste combination.
• Master One-Pot Cooking Magic: Streamlines meal preparation by using a single pot, reducing cleanup and making cooking simple for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize with Ease: Offers flexibility to adjust seasonings, swap cheese varieties, or add extra vegetables to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

What’s Inside Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Main Ingredients:

Ground Beef: A protein-packed ingredient that provides rich flavor and hearty texture to the pasta dish.

Rotini Pasta: A spiral-shaped pasta that captures and holds the creamy sauce perfectly.

Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce that makes the dish incredibly rich and comforting.

• Onion, Garlic: A classic flavor base that builds a deep and aromatic foundation for the dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Provide moisture and additional depth of flavor to the pasta.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and creamy element that melts beautifully into the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a smooth cooking base.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that adds color and a fresh herb note to the finished dish.

Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Fast

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened and translucent, creating a fragrant foundation for your dish.

Step 2: Boost Flavor Profile

Introduce minced garlic and cook for one minute until wonderfully aromatic, allowing the garlic to release its incredible flavor.

Step 3: Brown The Protein

Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Break meat into small pieces while cooking until completely browned. Optional: drain excess fat if desired.

Step 4: Season The Mixture

Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with delicious flavor.

Step 5: Build The Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, creating a rich liquid base for your pasta.

Step 6: Cook Pasta

Add rotini pasta to the boiling mixture. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer. Stir occasionally, cooking for 10-12 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.

Step 7: Create Creamy Finish

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips For Creamy Ground Beef Pasta That Pops

• Drain Excess Fat: Remove fatty residue from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, lighter meal.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and achieve ideal al dente consistency without overcooking.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Remove pot from heat when adding cheese to prevent burning and create smooth, creamy sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Seasoning Balance: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning gradually to develop layers of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add brightness, color, and a fresh aromatic touch to the creamy pasta.

Easy Variations For Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a lactose-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace rotini with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or corn flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the rich, hearty flavor profile of the original recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired meal.

Tasty Pairings With Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Robust Red Zinfandel perfectly complements the rich, meaty flavors of this creamy ground beef pasta, cutting through the heaviness with its bold fruit notes and moderate tannins.
• Hearty Beer Match: Choose a malty amber ale that balances the dish's creaminess, providing a crisp counterpoint to the savory ground beef and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley not just for color, but to add a bright, clean flavor that lifts the richness of the pasta and cuts through the creamy cheese sauce.
• Refreshing Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, comforting pasta dish, cleansing the palate between bites.

How To Store Ground Beef Pasta The Right Way

• Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and protect from absorbing other food odors.
• Pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you label with the date of storage.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth to restore moisture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs About Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

• Is ground beef the only protein option?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein twist.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini works great, you can use penne, shells, or even egg noodles depending on your preference and what’s available in your pantry.

• How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta just until al dente and avoid overcooking. The key is to stir occasionally and check the pasta’s texture during the simmering process to ensure it remains perfectly cooked.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, this recipe uses basic, affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, canned tomatoes, and common pantry spices, making it an economical meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Ground Beef Pasta combines robust Italian flavors with comforting home-style cooking. Savory meat sauce clings perfectly to tender noodles, creating a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces rotini pasta
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté diced onions for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, releasing aromatic flavors.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, creating a rich base.
4. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula while browning for 5-7 minutes.
5. Drain excess fat if needed to prevent greasy texture.
6. Season the beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
7. Pour in undrained diced tomatoes and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
8. Add rotini pasta, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta reaches al dente consistency.
9. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
10. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect flavor balance.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley to add vibrant color and bright herb notes.
12. Serve immediately while warm, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Customize pasta shape by swapping rotini with penne, farfalle, or shells for varied texture and visual appeal.
• Lower fat content by using lean ground beef (90/10) or ground turkey as protein alternatives.
• Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium beef broth and monitoring added salt during cooking.
• Create vegetarian version by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles or hearty mushrooms for similar umami flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 569 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg