Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

As the creamy ground beef pasta simmers on the stove, filling the kitchen with a rich aroma of savory beef and aromatic herbs, memories come flooding back of cozy family dinners from my childhood. There’s something truly comforting about a steaming plate of pasta coated in a luscious creamy sauce, each bite offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences and what you have on hand in your kitchen. Feel like adding some extra veggies to sneak in more nutrients? Go for it! Want to turn up the heat with some red pepper flakes or hot sauce? Don’t be shy! The beauty of cooking is that you have the freedom to make each dish your own.

I love to serve this creamy ground beef pasta with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. The nuttiness of the Parmesan adds a delightful depth of flavor to the dish and complements the creaminess of the sauce perfectly. Paired with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, this meal is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Whether you’re cooking for a big family gathering, a cozy date night at home, or simply meal prepping for the week ahead, this creamy ground beef pasta is a winning choice. The satisfaction of twirling a forkful of perfectly cooked pasta, smothered in a luscious sauce dotted with savory ground beef, is truly unmatched. So why not whip up a batch tonight and savor the comforting flavors that make this dish a classic favorite? Your taste buds will thank you!

Key Ingredients in Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

In creating the rich and flavorful creamy ground beef pasta, each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out the dish’s delicious taste. Let’s delve into the key components that make this comforting recipe a standout:

• Ground Beef: This staple protein adds hearty flavor and texture to the dish, infusing it with savory notes and satisfying meatiness.
• Olive Oil: Used at the beginning of the cooking process, olive oil helps to sauté the onion and garlic, releasing their aromas and flavors to build a strong foundation for the sauce.
• Onion: Diced onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish, enhancing the overall complexity of flavors.
• Garlic: Mince garlic adds a pungent kick and aromatic essence, elevating the taste profile of the creamy sauce.
• Dried Oregano and Basil: These dried herbs contribute earthy and herbaceous notes, infusing the sauce with a Mediterranean flair.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper enhance all the other flavors in the dish, ensuring a well-balanced taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adding a tangy sweetness and a hint of acidity, diced tomatoes create a robust base for the creamy sauce.
• Beef Broth: Providing depth and richness, beef broth intensifies the savory umami flavor of the dish, enhancing the overall meaty profile.
• Heavy Cream: The star of the creamy sauce, heavy cream brings indulgent richness and a velvety smoothness, creating a luscious texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta shape is perfect for capturing the creamy sauce, ensuring that each bite is filled with a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Topping off the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty and salty kick, elevating the overall taste experience with its rich flavor profile.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

1. Garlic Bread and a Glass of Red Wine:
Elevate your dining experience by pairing this creamy ground beef pasta with warm, buttery garlic bread. The crisp exterior of the bread gives way to a soft, garlicky center that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the pasta. A glass of your favorite red wine, such as a velvety Cabernet Sauvignon or a fruity Merlot, will round out the meal with a touch of sophistication. The combination of creamy pasta, savory bread, and a glass of red wine creates a truly indulgent and satisfying dining experience.

2. Fresh Basil and Cherry Tomato Salad:
Brighten up the creamy richness of the pasta with a simple side salad of fresh basil leaves and halved cherry tomatoes. The vibrant colors and flavors of the salad provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish, adding a burst of freshness to each bite. Drizzle the salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy kick that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. The combination of the creamy ground beef pasta and the bright basil and tomato salad creates a well-rounded meal that is both comforting and invigorating.

3. Italian-Inspired Antipasto Platter:
Create an Italian-inspired spread to accompany your creamy ground beef pasta by putting together a delicious antipasto platter. Fill a wooden board or serving platter with an assortment of cured meats, such as prosciutto and salami, a variety of cheeses, such as sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano and creamy burrata, marinated olives, roasted red peppers, and crusty bread. The salty, tangy, and savory flavors of the antipasto items provide a perfect contrast to the creamy pasta, allowing you to enjoy a range of tastes and textures in one satisfying meal. Serve the antipasto platter alongside the creamy ground beef pasta for a culinary experience that transports you to the sun-drenched hills of Italy.

How to Store Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

After enjoying a delicious serving of creamy ground beef pasta, you might find yourself with leftovers that you want to save for another day. Properly storing this delectable dish will help maintain its freshness and flavor, ensuring that each reheated bite is just as satisfying as the first.

One of the simplest ways to store creamy ground beef pasta is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to the container to prevent condensation buildup. By sealing the dish tightly, you can keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the creamy sauce.

Another option for storing creamy ground beef pasta is to freeze individual portions for future convenience. Place cooled portions of the pasta in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, ensuring there is some space for expansion. Frozen creamy ground beef pasta can last for up to 2-3 months, allowing you to have a quick and delicious meal ready to go whenever you need it. To reheat frozen pasta, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it up in a skillet or microwave.

For those who love meal prepping, consider making a batch of creamy ground beef pasta without fully cooking it. Prepare the beef mixture and combine it with the sauce before adding the pasta. Store this semi-cooked dish in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then cook the pasta separately when you’re ready to eat. This method ensures that the pasta retains its ideal texture and prevents it from becoming mushy during storage.

By following these simple storing tips, you can enjoy the delightful flavors of creamy ground beef pasta even after the initial cooking session. Whether you opt to refrigerate, freeze, or partially prepare the dish, knowing how to store it properly ensures that you always have a satisfying meal at your fingertips.

Conclusion

What a delight it has been to share with you the enticing world of creamy ground beef pasta! From the tantalizing aroma of sautéed onions and garlic to the luxurious velvety sauce coating each strand of penne pasta, this dish truly embodies comfort and satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking up a storm for a crowd or simply indulging in a cozy dinner for two, the versatility and flavor of this recipe make it a go-to favorite in any kitchen.

I hope you’ve found inspiration in the key ingredients, cooking steps, serving suggestions, and storage tips provided in this article. Feel free to print out this guide for easy reference, so you can recreate the magic of creamy ground beef pasta whenever the craving strikes.

If you decide to give this recipe a try, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, feedback, or even share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures and help in any way I can to ensure your creamy ground beef pasta turns out just as delicious as you imagined.

So, don your apron, grab your finest skillet, and let the symphony of flavors and aromas whisk you away to a culinary paradise. Here’s to many more delicious meals shared with loved ones and cherished moments created around the dining table. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 550

Description

Savor the perfect blend of savory ground beef and creamy pasta in every bite. This comforting dish is a symphony of rich flavors and textures that will warm your soul. Try it today and experience a bowl of pure comfort!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 8 oz penne pasta

• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the olive oil and ground beef to the skillet.
3. Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
5. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
6. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes.
8. While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot.
9. Once the beef mixture has simmered, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
11. Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture.
12. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy beef sauce.
13. Serve the creamy ground beef pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Note

• For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half and half or whole milk, although the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
• Feel free to add more vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
• You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
• To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.

Keywords: Creamy beef pasta recipe, Easy ground beef pasta, Creamy pasta with beef, One-pot creamy beef pasta, Beef and pasta skillet