This creamy ground beef pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Made with tender pasta, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato cream sauce, it’s an easy, one-pan dish perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this is a go-to meal for busy nights.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of tomatoes, cream, and beef creates a satisfying and flavorful sauce.
- Customizable: Easily swap pasta shapes or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¾ cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 oz uncooked pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ sweet yellow onion, chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Sauté Onion
Heat olive oil in a large skillet, Dutch oven, or small pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. - Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary. - Build the Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for 4-5 minutes to thicken slightly. - Add the Cream
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened. - Combine with Pasta
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta until evenly coated. - Serve
Serve the pasta warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Veggie Boost: Include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach in the sauce.
- Cheese Lovers: Stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar for an extra cheesy sauce.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze the sauce separately from the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and combining with freshly cooked pasta.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but any pasta can be used.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.
4. How can I thicken the sauce?
Let the sauce simmer a bit longer to reduce, or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
5. Can I add herbs?
Fresh basil or parsley make a great garnish for extra flavor.
6. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for best results.
7. Can I omit the cream?
For a non-creamy version, replace the cream with an equal amount of beef broth.
8. How do I prevent the pasta from clumping?
Toss the cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil if it’s not being immediately mixed with the sauce.
9. What can I serve with this pasta?
Pair it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
10. Can I make this in one pot?
Yes, cook the pasta directly in the sauce by adding additional broth or water and simmering until tender.
Conclusion
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a quick, comforting dish that combines hearty flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it tonight for an easy, delicious dinner!
Print
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
Savor this comforting and creamy stovetop ground beef pasta! A quick and easy dinner with seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato cream sauce, perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 oz uncooked pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the base:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Cook the beef:
- Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Make the sauce:
- Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Combine and season:
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta shape for this dish—penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work well.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
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