This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a hearty dish that’s super easy to make! With juicy ground beef and creamy sauce mixed with pasta, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
I love how quickly this dish comes together. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and tasty. Plus, who can say no to cheese? 😋
Cooking this pasta is a breeze since everything is made in one pot. I often add some veggies for a colorful twist. Enjoying it with a sprinkle of herbs makes it even better!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fusilli and rotini are great for capturing sauce! You could swap them for other pasta shapes like penne or even spaghetti. Just follow cooking times on the package.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef keeps things rich without being too greasy. For a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken, or even plant-based meat to make it vegetarian.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the dish. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. Just know the sauce may not be as creamy.
Beef Broth: Using beef broth adds depth. You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer a different flavor or to keep it lighter.
Italian Seasoning: This blend brings out great flavor. If you don’t have it, mix together dried basil, oregano, and thyme as a quick substitute!
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked in the Sauce?
The key to cooking pasta in this creamy mix is timing and stirring. Here’s how to do it:
- After adding the uncooked pasta, make sure to stir it well so it’s all coated with the sauce.
- Cover the skillet to trap steam and help cook the pasta evenly.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to check for doneness, about every 4-5 minutes.
- If the pasta looks dry or the sauce thickens too much, don’t hesitate to add a little more beef broth or water.
- When the pasta is tender, remove from heat quickly to avoid overcooking!
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fusilli or rotini pasta
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25-30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 5 minutes for prep and then about 20-25 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant. This will give your dish a wonderful flavor base!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart while cooking. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, you can drain it off to keep your pasta light.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time to create the creamy sauce! Stir in the heavy cream, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer, which will help combine all those lovely flavors together.
4. Add the Pasta:
Once the sauce is simmering nicely, add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Give it a good stir to mix it well with the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the pasta to cook and absorb the creamy sauce, making it deliciously rich!
5. Finish with Cheese:
When the pasta is tender, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the dish is creamy. If it seems too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or water until you get your preferred consistency.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your creamy ground beef pasta warm and enjoy this tasty meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken in this recipe for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different. You may want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the taste.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can use half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and butter as a lighter alternative. For every cup of heavy cream, combine 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter to mimic its creamy texture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute, such as lentils, mushrooms, or a store-bought vegan ground meat option. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and don’t forget to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it creamy. Stir occasionally until heated through.
