If you are craving a comforting, hearty, and absolutely delicious meal that comes together in just one pot, then you are going to adore this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe. It’s a total game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something rich, flavorful, and satisfying without a ton of fuss. With each bite, you get tender pasta enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce studded with perfectly seasoned, browned ground beef and aromatic herbs. It’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and creating a creamy, satisfying texture. These pantry-friendly items come together effortlessly yet yield a dish bursting with color and taste.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein that forms the savory base of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds depth and richness while preventing sticking during sautéing.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and a tender bite once softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant, bold kick to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, Mediterranean touch to brighten flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a fragrant herbaceous note that perfectly complements the beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat without overpowering.
- 1 cup beef broth: Deepens the savory profile and keeps the sauce luscious.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and vibrant bursts of flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The secret to achieving that velvety, creamy sauce everyone loves.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to soak up all the saucy goodness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that melts beautifully into the dish.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for amplifying all the flavors.
- Black pepper, to taste: Provides a bold spice contrast.
How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating your skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm until it shimmers. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for around 3 to 4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent; this ensures a sweet and mellow base. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute so you get that irresistible fragrant aroma without any bitterness.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Time to add the star of the show: the ground beef. Crumble it into the skillet and stir occasionally. Cook until the pink disappears and the meat has developed a beautiful brown color, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because browning means flavor, and we want every bite packed with savory goodness.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes, stirring them into the beef. Let those herbs toast slightly with the meat for about one minute to bring out their full flavor potential. Pour in the beef broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. Give everything a good stir and bring your mixture to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors can meld gloriously.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Add the penne pasta straight into the skillet, spreading it evenly so it’s all nicely submerged in the sauce. Cover with a lid, and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta achieves that perfect tenderness and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This step is where the pasta soaks up all the amazing flavors, making every bite heavenly.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll immediately notice how the sauce thickens and turns irresistibly creamy. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and seamlessly blends into the sauce. Now you have a comforting marvel ready to devour!
How to Serve Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley brightens this dish beautifully. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that makes the creamy richness shine even more. For an added touch of indulgence, some crushed red pepper flakes on top bring that subtle heat full circle.
Side Dishes
This creamy, bold pasta really stands on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli provide a lovely contrast in texture and lighten the plate. These additions make the meal feel complete and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic bowls to keep it warm and hearty. Adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dollop of ricotta on top makes it look restaurant-worthy. You could even garnish with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to elevate the experience when entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce holds its texture nicely, and the flavors actually deepen, making for a tasty meal the next day.
Freezing
This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, it may be necessary to add a splash of cream or broth to rejuvenate the sauce’s creaminess during reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the sauce seems thick, add a little bit of beef broth or cream to loosen it and keep that silky texture we all love. Microwaving works too; just cover the dish and heat in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter alternative. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since turkey tends to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adding a bit more seasoning helps retain the rich flavors.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne is ideal because its tube shape catches the creamy sauce inside. However, rigatoni, rotini, or even elbow macaroni would work beautifully too. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the regular penne pasta for a gluten-free variety. The cooking time might vary slightly, so follow the package instructions and adjust accordingly when simmering with the sauce.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can make it dairy-free by replacing the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and using a vegan Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that enhances but never overwhelms the dish. If you want it spicier, simply increase the amount, or reduce them for a gentler flavor ideal for kids or sensitive palates.
Final Thoughts
This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe truly embodies comfort food at its best—easy to make, hearty, and incredibly flavorful. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy every creamy, savory bite as much as I do, and that it becomes one of your go-to recipes to share with family and friends.
Print
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and creamy stovetop ground beef pasta dish featuring penne pasta simmered in a flavorful sauce made with sautéed onions, garlic, herbs, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and finished with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a rich, indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
Dry and Canned Goods
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the ingredients.
- Add Olive Oil: Pour in the tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to warm up in the skillet for proper cooking of the aromatics.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are soft and translucent, building the flavor base.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant to enhance the aroma.
- Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Brown the Beef: Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains, ensuring proper flavor development.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle in dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes, then stir to combine.
- Cook Spices: Let the beef and spices cook together for 1 minute to meld the flavors.
- Add Liquids: Pour in beef broth and the diced tomatoes with their juices, stirring well to combine the sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the penne pasta, distributing it evenly in the sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the pasta cook in the simmering sauce for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Notes
- Using a large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid is essential for even pasta cooking and simmering.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or plant-based meat for variations.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to preference.
- Ensure to stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
