The Ultimate Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Nights You'll Love! (Print Version)
How to make creamy beef pasta with tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and al dente pasta that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20-25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Standard
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
1 lb lean ground beef
02 -
16 oz (about 450g) short pasta (e.g., penne, rigatoni)
03 -
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 -
1 cup heavy cream
→ Flavor Builders
07 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
08 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
09 -
1 cup beef broth
10 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
→ Seasonings & Spices
11 -
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
12 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Finishing Touch
13 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat for a lighter, more flavorful Creamy Beef Pasta.
02 -
Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let the sauce meld for 15-20 minutes.
03 -
While the sauce simmers, cook your short pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This will help emulsify and thicken your sauce later.
04 -
Stir heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the simmering beef sauce until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
05 -
Add the drained al dente pasta directly to the creamy beef sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated generously for this ultimate Creamy Beef Pasta. Mix well.
06 -
Garnish your delicious Creamy Beef Pasta with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a cozy, comforting meal that's perfect for any weeknight dinner. Enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
Always reserve ½ cup of pasta water; it's essential for achieving a silky, perfectly emulsified sauce.
02 -
Store leftover creamy beef pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
03 -
For a gluten-free option, easily swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free short pasta.
04 -
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
05 -
Prepare the beef sauce up to two days ahead and store it separately; cook pasta fresh for best results.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large skillet
02 -
large pot
03 -
measuring cups
04 -
measuring spoons
05 -
cutting board
06 -
chef's knife
07 -
spoon
08 -
colander
09 -
serving spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 630
Total Fat: 24g
Total Carbohydrate: 65g
Protein: 30g