This creamy beef pasta is a tasty and filling dish that comes together quickly. With ground beef, pasta, and a rich, smooth sauce, it’s comfort food at its best!
You can whip this up on a busy night when you need a comforting meal. Trust me, it’s so good, your family might ask for seconds—just make sure to save some for yourself! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using penne for its ridges that hold the sauce well, but rotini or fusilli works just as great. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be good alternatives.
Ground Beef: Ground beef provides flavor and texture, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, try using lentils or plant-based meat substitutes.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream or cashew cream can work too.
Cheese: Cheddar gives the dish a great flavor, but mozzarella or even cream cheese can be good choices. If avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Achieving that smooth, creamy sauce is crucial for this dish. Here’s how to make it just right:
- After sautéing onions and garlic, make sure to brown the ground beef well. Browning develops deeper flavors.
- When adding the beef broth, let it simmer to reduce; this intensifies the flavor before you mix in the cream.
- Lower the heat when adding cream and cheese. Cooking too high can make the sauce grainy. Stir gently to combine.
- Enjoy the taste! Always adjust salt and pepper at the end for best results.
Following these steps and tips will help you create a rich and delicious creamy beef pasta dish that everyone will love!
How to Make Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
For the Beef Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy beef pasta recipe takes about 25-30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10-12 minutes preparing and cooking, plus about 15-18 minutes simmering to get that delicious creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this means it should be cooked but still firm to the bite. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Beef Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion. SautĂ© for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes tender and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell the garlic’s fragrance.
3. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off.
4. Flavor It Up:
Mix in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning to the beef. Cook everything together for about 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors. This will deepen the taste of your sauce!
5. Create the Creamy Base:
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes, letting it reduce slightly. Then, lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream, allowing the sauce to simmer gently for another 5 minutes. This is where it gets creamy!
6. Add the Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and fully blended into the sauce. The sauce should now be smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if needed for extra flavor.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly with the rich, creamy beef sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your creamy beef pasta with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal! This dish pairs wonderfully with some garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
FAQ for Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are great choices, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just follow the cooking time recommended on the package for the best texture!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream or cashew cream instead!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef sauce a day in advance. Just cook everything up to the point of adding the cream, then store it in the fridge. Reheat gently and stir in the cream before mixing with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve!
