There are few things as comforting as a hearty bowl of pasta, especially on a busy weeknight. This Creamy Beef Pasta recipe is the ultimate one-pan wonder, combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a luxuriously rich cream sauce. It’s a family-friendly meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for your dinner dilemma. Forget complicated steps and long ingredient lists; this is straightforward comfort food at its finest.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a game-changer for your weekly meal rotation. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this entire meal is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect fast and flavorful dinner for any night.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and beef broth, you can whip this up without a special trip to the store.
Incredibly Flavorful: Browning the beef with garlic and onions builds a deep, savory base that makes the creamy sauce absolutely irresistible.
Family-Approved: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The comforting flavors and satisfying texture will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here are the key ingredients that create this delicious Creamy Beef Pasta.
The perfect one-pot meal, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ground Beef: We recommend using 80/20 or 85/15 ground chuck for the best flavor and tenderness.
Pasta: A short, sturdy pasta like rotini, penne, or shells works best as it catches the sauce beautifully.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building a savory flavor foundation.
Beef Broth: Use a good quality beef broth as it makes up a significant part of the sauce’s flavor.
Cream Cheese: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, tangy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
Heavy Cream: Adds a final touch of richness and silky-smooth texture to the sauce.
Seasonings: A simple blend of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper is all you need.
Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, nutty finish. Always use freshly grated for the best melt.
How to Make Creamy Beef Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect pasta dinner. It’s a straightforward process that delivers incredible results.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Make It Creamy: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cubed cream cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. Finish by stirring in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it thicken for a minute or two.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Beef Pasta
Want to make your Creamy Beef Pasta truly exceptional? Here are a few expert tips.
Don’t Skip Browning: Taking the time to get a good brown crust on the beef develops a deeper, richer flavor that makes a huge difference in the final dish.
Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest and most stable sauce, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream. Low-fat versions can sometimes curdle or result in a thinner sauce.
Salt the Water (If Cooking Pasta Separately): If you choose to cook your pasta separately, make sure to generously salt the water. It’s the only chance you have to season the pasta itself.
Let It Rest: After you add the cream and cheese, let the pasta sit off the heat for a couple of minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken up perfectly.
Simple ingredients are the key to this flavorful dish.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Try one of these delicious variations to make it your own!
Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a gentle kick of heat.
Cheese Swap: Try swapping the Parmesan for Gruyère or Asiago for a different nutty flavor profile.
Different Protein: This recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey or Italian sausage as well. For a different but equally delicious meal, check out this Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe.
What to Serve With Creamy Beef Pasta
This is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a fresh contrast to the rich sauce. For something more substantial, you can’t go wrong with warm, buttery breadsticks or these amazing 30-Minute Dinner Rolls to soak up every last bit of the sauce.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This Creamy Beef Pasta makes for excellent leftovers. Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne, shells, or fusilli are best because their ridges and curves are perfect for catching the rich, creamy sauce.
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or beef broth to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
To ensure a smooth sauce, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream, as they are more stable. Also, make sure to melt the cream cheese completely over low heat before adding the heavy cream.
Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free short pasta. Be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions, as gluten-free pasta can cook differently.
If you enjoyed this dish, you’ll love exploring other comforting meals. For another fantastic ground beef recipe, give this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole (coming soon) a try. It’s a satisfying dish perfect for a cozy night in. For more inspiration, browse our collection of hearty winter recipes (coming soon).
Enjoy This Easy Creamy Beef Pasta!
That’s all there is to it! A delicious, homemade Creamy Beef Pasta that’s sure to become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?” on those nights when you need something fast, easy, and incredibly satisfying. If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest.
You're only 30 minutes away from this incredible Creamy Beef Pasta!
Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
FL Recipes
Creamy Beef Pasta: An Easy 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner
This Creamy Beef Pasta is the ultimate one-pan wonder, combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a luxuriously rich cream sauce. It's a family-friendly meal that comes together in just 30 minutes!
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring it's mostly submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cubed cream cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. Finish by stirring in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it thicken for a minute or two.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 550kcalProtein: 28gFat: 30gFiber: 3g
Notes
For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smoother, quicker melt into the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keyword creamy beef pasta,ground beef pasta,one pot pasta
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
