Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that’s easy to make and full of flavor, this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is just what you need. It’s a one-pot meal made with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a luscious, cheesy cream sauce—all cooked together on the stovetop in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anyone who loves hearty pasta dishes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.
Rich and Creamy – The velvety sauce is packed with savory flavor.
Quick & Easy – Ready in less than 30 minutes with pantry staples.
Kid-Friendly – Creamy, cheesy, and beefy—what’s not to love?
Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable ingredients for a filling meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef & Seasoning:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 2½ cups uncooked short pasta (penne, shells, or rotini)
• 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra parmesan for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater for cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until softened.
Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Add Pasta and Liquid
Stir in the uncooked pasta, beef broth, and tomato sauce.
Mix well and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Stir in the Cream & Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
Add mozzarella and parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra parmesan.
Serve hot and enjoy this rich, satisfying meal straight from the skillet.

Tips for Success
Use Short Pasta – Penne, rotini, or shells work best to hold the sauce.
Stir Often – This helps prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Cheese Matters – Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and texture.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook until just tender to avoid mushy results.
Customize the Heat – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like spice.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
Simple Side Salad – Fresh greens with vinaigrette for balance.
Roasted Veggies – Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers make great sides.
Chilled Lemon Tea – Refreshing drink to go with the rich pasta.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Warm over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great and makes it a bit lighter.
2. Can I make it without tomato sauce?
   You can skip the tomato sauce and increase the cream for a white sauce version.
3. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
   Use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even plain milk with a bit of extra cheese to thicken.
4. Can I add vegetables?
   Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or peas can be stirred in with the cream for added nutrition.
5. Is this dish spicy?
   Not at all, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili powder if you want more heat.

Final Thoughts
This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is everything you want in a comfort food meal—rich, creamy, cheesy, and satisfying with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just want something cozy on a cold evening, this one-pot wonder checks all the boxes.

Try it tonight and see just how quickly it becomes a go-to in your kitchen. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your photos online—I love seeing how your versions turn out!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 620mg

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