Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that hits all the right notes of creamy, hearty, and irresistibly delicious, then Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This dish brings together juicy ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, a velvety sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all in one pot. Busy day? No problem. In about half an hour, you’ll have a meal that feels like a heartfelt hug in a bowl—perfect for satisfying hungry families, picky eaters, or just treating yourself to something truly special.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta recipe requires simple and accessible ingredients, but each one brings something important to the pot. You’ll taste depth from the broth, richness from the cream, and an irresistible cheesy finish. Get ready to watch them work their magic!

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean or regular—just be sure to drain any extra grease for the perfect saucy base.
• Olive Oil: Adds a touch of fruitiness and helps keep things moving in the pan.
• Yellow Onion: Dice it up small; it offers sweetness and a savory backbone to the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic deepens the flavor and adds delicious aroma.
• Italian Seasoning: A quick shortcut for layers of herby flavor that keep every bite interesting.
• Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and making them sing.
• Black Pepper: For a mild kick; freshly cracked is best here.
• Beef Broth: This is the secret to deep, meaty taste and helps the pasta cook perfectly.
• Diced Tomatoes: Reach for a can with juices included for brightness and a subtle tang.
• Pasta: Penne or rotini are best for catching bits of meat and sauce in every forkful.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy but not overly heavy.
• Shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella: Melts right in for ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness—choose your favorite.
• Chopped Parsley: Not just for color, it gives the finished dish a burst of freshness.

How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it into crumbles and cook until well browned—all those bits will bring tons of flavor. If your beef releases a lot of grease, drain off the excess (but keep a little for taste).

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Mix in the diced onion with the browned beef. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes—the onion will soften and start infusing the meat. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring everything to blend. You’ll notice a lovely aroma that hints at oven-baked lasagna, but trust me, this is even easier.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and the whole can of diced tomatoes (juice and all!). Give the mixture a thorough stir, then add your uncooked pasta. Bring everything to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so nothing sticks and the pasta cooks evenly.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Keep stirring gently as everything melts and melds into a lusciously creamy sauce. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 2 to 3 more minutes so it thickens to absolute perfection.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley over the top. Serve hot and feel free to add a little extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. Your Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is ready for its close-up!

How to Serve Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley does wonders for this dish—it brightens the look and adds a pop of flavor. For even more flair, you could add extra shredded cheese, red pepper flakes for heat, or just a pinch of cracked black pepper right before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a star on its own, but it’s also delicious with a classic green salad dressed in vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread for mopping up that creamy sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus make it a complete meal, balancing the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta into a showstopper by serving it in mini cast-iron pans for a rustic touch, or scoop it into ramekins for personalized portions. For family-style dinners, swirl it high on a platter and finish with a dramatic shower of fresh herbs and cheese right at the table. This pasta loves a nice big serving spoon and a hungry crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just cool it down, transfer to an airtight container, and store for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even more cozy as they mingle in the fridge!

Freezing

If you’d like to prep ahead, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 2 months—the sauce and pasta may thicken a bit more after thawing, but the flavors will still be spot on.

Reheating

To reheat, pop single servings in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. For the stovetop, just warm over low heat, stirring gently—add a little extra broth or cream if needed to bring back that luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat for Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer something lighter, or even a plant-based ground for a vegetarian version. Just keep an eye on cooking time and season to taste.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onions and garlic. You can also finish with extra black pepper or hot sauce at the table.

Which type Main Course

Penne or rotini are the top choices because they hold onto the creamy sauce and bits of beef, but you can use any short pasta shape you love. Just adjust the liquid and cooking time slightly if switching shapes.

Can I make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the recipe a day ahead. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth and stir in fresh cheese to refresh the creaminess before serving. It’s great for prepping in advance!

What’s the best way to lighten up this dish?

To make a lighter Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk and use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also add some spinach or swap in a whole-wheat pasta to up the wholesome factor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to whip up Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta and see just how easy and satisfying it is. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles to faces and makes any day a little cozier. Give it a try, share it with hungry friends or family, and let it become a staple at your table!

Print