Welcome to the easiest and most comforting dinner you’ll make this week! When I first made this stovetop creamy ground beef pasta, I knew it was a winner after the very first bite. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
The rich, creamy tomato sauce wraps every piece of pasta in flavor, complemented by the heartiness of perfectly seasoned ground beef. What I love most is how simple it is to throw together, yet it tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe is going to become a regular star at your dinner table. Bonus? It all comes together in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Here’s why it stands out:
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of creamy tomato sauce, tender pasta, and savory ground beef creates a flavor that both kids and adults will love.
- Highly Customizable: You can switch up the protein, use different types of pasta, or even play with herbs and spices to suit your taste.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like pasta, tomato paste, and ground beef, this dish is easy on the wallet while being big on taste.
- One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your dinner and relax without worrying about cleanup.
Cooking Time
Here’s everything you need to know about timing for this recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or pasta shells work well)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some swaps and additions you can try:
- Protein Alternatives:
Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a twist on classic beef. - Dairy-Free Option:
Replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or a plant-based cream. - Add Veggies:
Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added freshness and nutrients. - Extra Flavor:
Sprinkle red chili flakes or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Skillet/Dutch Oven: To cook the beef and sauce in one pot.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
- Colander: To drain the pasta after boiling.
- Measuring Cups/Spoons: To get ingredient proportions just right.
How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta?
Making this creamy ground beef pasta is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
1. Cook the Pasta 🍝
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your chosen pasta and cook it until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes shy of the package instructions. This ensures your pasta remains firm when mixed with the sauce. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic 🧄
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting its aroma fill your kitchen.
3. Brown the Ground Beef 🥩
Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef to the skillet, and break it apart with your wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4. Make the Tomato Sauce 🍅
Stir in the tomato paste, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes, letting the flavors combine and the sauce thicken slightly.
5. Add the Cream 🥛
Lower the heat to medium and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir to create a silky, creamy base for the sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to your preferred consistency.
6. Combine and Serve 🌟
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing everything together to ensure each piece of pasta is coated in the creamy, beefy goodness. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top if desired, and serve piping hot.
Tips for Making the Recipe
These tips will help you nail the recipe every time:
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers more flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered alternatives.
- Don’t Skip the Simmering: Allowing the sauce to simmer after adding the tomatoes ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save a little pasta water before draining. Adding it to the sauce can help thin and emulsify it perfectly.
- Season as You Go: Layering salt and pepper during each step enhances all the individual flavors.
How to Serve Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta?
Presentation can make this humble dish extra special:
- Garnish Ideas: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or even some toasted breadcrumbs for texture.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Serving Style: Dish it out in shallow bowls, making sure to scoop plenty of sauce with each serving.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content (per serving):
- Calories: 469
- Protein: 19 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fat: 29 g
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best parts of this recipe is how well it keeps!
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and combine it with the reheated sauce.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Welcome to the easiest and most comforting dinner you’ll make this week! When I first made this stovetop creamy ground beef pasta, I knew it was a winner after the very first bite. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or pasta shells work well)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your chosen pasta and cook it until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes shy of the package instructions. This ensures your pasta remains firm when mixed with the sauce. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting its aroma fill your kitchen.
- Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef to the skillet, and break it apart with your wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato paste, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes, letting the flavors combine and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Lower the heat to medium and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir to create a silky, creamy base for the sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to your preferred consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing everything together to ensure each piece of pasta is coated in the creamy, beefy goodness. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top if desired, and serve piping hot.
Notes
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers more flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered alternatives.
- Don’t Skip the Simmering: Allowing the sauce to simmer after adding the tomatoes ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save a little pasta water before draining. Adding it to the sauce can help thin and emulsify it perfectly.
- Season as You Go: Layering salt and pepper during each step enhances all the individual flavors.
