Description
This creamy ground beef pasta is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender pasta cooked in a rich tomato and beef broth sauce is combined with browned ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, and finished with a luscious blend of heavy cream and cheeses for an irresistibly creamy texture. Garnished with parsley, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Pantry Staples
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, approximately 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink throughout. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Add Tomato Paste and Liquids: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Then, pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, mixing well.
- Cook Pasta in Sauce: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has fully melted, creating a rich texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy a satisfying creamy ground beef pasta dish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- For added heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- This dish reheats well, making it convenient for leftovers.
