Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

The beauty of this stovetop creamy ground beef pasta lies not just in its simplicity, but in how quickly it comes together to create something so comforting. As the ground beef sizzles in the pan, it fills the kitchen with that unmistakable savory aroma—like a warm hug you can almost taste. The richness of the beef pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, which clings to each strand of pasta in a way that makes every bite feel indulgent. There’s something so satisfying about how the flavors meld together, especially when you throw in that little sprinkle of cheese at the end—it’s like the final touch that turns the dish into something truly irresistible.

What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner twist, or even add a handful of spinach for some extra color and nutrients. And the pasta—well, you can use any kind you have on hand, from fettuccine to penne, because the creamy sauce will coat whatever shape you choose with equal love. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a blank canvas, allowing you to make it your own while still delivering that familiar, comforting satisfaction we all crave at the end of a long day.

Key Ingredients in Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

This recipe is all about making the most of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building those deep, savory flavors that make this dish so crave-worthy. Let’s take a closer look at the star players:

Ground Beef
The heart of the dish. Ground beef brings that rich, savory flavor that anchors the creamy sauce and complements the pasta perfectly. It adds that satisfying meaty texture that makes every bite feel like comfort food at its best.

Olive Oil
A little drizzle of olive oil is essential for sautéing the onions and garlic. It helps everything cook evenly and adds a subtle depth of flavor to the base of the sauce.

Onion
Chopped onions bring sweetness and a touch of savory depth as they soften and caramelize in the pan. They provide a lovely foundation for the rest of the ingredients to build upon.

Garlic
Minced garlic offers that unmistakable aroma and flavor that fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent. It adds a punch of zest that balances out the richness of the beef and cream.

Dried Oregano
Oregano adds a herby, slightly earthy note to the sauce, giving it a Mediterranean flair that perfectly complements the beef and tomatoes.

Dried Basil
With its sweet and aromatic flavor, basil works hand in hand with oregano to elevate the savory depth of the dish, infusing it with a subtle, herbal richness.

Red Pepper Flakes
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat that livens up the entire dish, giving it just enough spice to keep things interesting without overwhelming the other flavors.

Beef Broth
Beef broth brings a rich, savory liquid that helps to form the base of the sauce. It’s a great way to incorporate more beefy goodness into the dish while keeping everything nice and moist.

Diced Tomatoes
Canned diced tomatoes provide a burst of acidity and sweetness that balances out the richness of the beef and cream. They also add a bit of texture to the sauce, making each bite feel hearty and satisfying.

Heavy Cream
This is what makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and luxurious. Heavy cream adds richness and smoothness, turning the whole dish into a comforting indulgence.

Penne Pasta
The pasta of choice for this recipe. Penne’s sturdy shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, and its ridges help it capture every drop of the rich, savory sauce. Of course, you can swap in whatever pasta you have on hand.

Parmesan Cheese
Grated Parmesan is the finishing touch that adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish. It melts perfectly into the sauce, making everything a little more indulgent.

Salt
A pinch of salt is essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the beef, tomatoes, and herbs. It brings everything together in perfect harmony.

Black Pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice, tying all the ingredients together with just the right amount of kick.

How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

STEP 1: Heat the olive oil
In a large skillet or sauté pan, drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent.

STEP 2: Add the garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! You’ll start to notice that irresistible garlic aroma filling the kitchen.

STEP 3: Brown the ground beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 6-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper as the beef browns.

STEP 4: Add the herbs and red pepper flakes
Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and let the spices bloom in the hot pan for about 1 minute.

STEP 5: Pour in the beef broth and tomatoes
Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

STEP 6: Stir in the heavy cream
Once the sauce has simmered, lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

STEP 7: Cook the pasta
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

STEP 8: Combine the pasta and sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding a little bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce cling to the noodles.

STEP 9: Finish with Parmesan cheese
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again to combine. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding that perfect salty, nutty finish.

STEP 10: Taste and adjust
Give the pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes. If you want it a bit more creamy, feel free to add more heavy cream or a splash of pasta water to get the perfect consistency.

Now, it’s time to dig in and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness you’ve just created!

Serving Suggestions for Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Pair with a Fresh Salad
This creamy pasta is rich and indulgent, so a crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect balance. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple lemon vinaigrette. The freshness will cut through the creaminess and add a light, vibrant contrast to each bite.

Garlic Bread on the Side
You can never go wrong with a side of garlic bread! The crunchy, buttery goodness pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta, giving you that extra hit of flavor in every mouthful. Plus, you’ll want something to scoop up any leftover sauce—trust me!

A Glass of Red Wine
For an extra touch of indulgence, serve your creamy beef pasta with a glass of red wine. A medium-bodied wine like a Merlot or Chianti complements the savory depth of the dish and enhances the overall experience. It’s the perfect way to elevate a cozy weeknight dinner.

How to Store Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

If you happen to have leftovers of this creamy pasta (lucky you!), it’s easy to store them and keep that delicious flavor intact for another meal. First, let the pasta cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help prevent condensation, which can make the sauce watery. Store it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating it is a breeze. Just pop it in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy texture. Stir it gently as it heats up, and before you know it, it’ll taste just as comforting as the first time you made it. If you prefer, you can also microwave it—just cover the dish with a damp paper towel to keep the pasta from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the creamy beef pasta. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It will stay good in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. The sauce might need a little help coming back to life, so adding a touch of cream or broth will do the trick.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a delicious, creamy ground beef pasta that’s quick, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying! From the moment the beef hits the pan to the last sprinkle of Parmesan, every step is packed with flavor that makes you feel like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually have. This dish is truly a weeknight lifesaver, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to recipes when you’re craving something hearty and delicious.

Whether you’ve got a busy night ahead or just need something comforting to share with loved ones, this stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is sure to deliver. I hope you’ve enjoyed this little kitchen adventure with me, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!

Got any questions, or maybe a twist on the recipe you’d love to share? Or did you make this dish and have thoughts or feedback? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s chat in the comments—because, after all, cooking is all about experimenting and making things your own!

Print Recipe

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 600

Description

Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, this stovetop ground beef pasta combines tender beef, rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Each bite is a savory, melt-in-your-mouth experience—easy to make and impossible to resist!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream

• 8 ounces penne pasta

• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and allow it to heat up.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.
6. Cook the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Season the beef mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes.
8. Stir the spices into the beef and cook for 1 more minute to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices) and stir to combine.
10. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for 5 minutes.
11. Add the penne pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is evenly distributed in the sauce.
12. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the pasta cook in the simmering sauce, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
13. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
14. Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
15. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
16. Serve the creamy ground beef pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Note

• Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease in the dish.
• For added richness, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Feel free to swap penne pasta with other short pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni.
• For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add some hot sauce.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Keywords: stovetop creamy beef pasta, easy creamy ground beef recipe, one-pan beef pasta dish, stovetop pasta with ground beef, creamy ground beef pasta dinner