Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in one pot in just 30 minutes. This easy-to-make dish combines rich, creamy sauce with tender pasta and savory ground beef for a meal that satisfies every time.

I remember the first time I made this creamy pasta on a particularly hectic Wednesday evening. I needed something quick but still wanted that restaurant-quality richness you get from a good cream sauce. When I took that first bite and tasted how the Parmesan melted into the cream and coated every piece of pasta and beef, I knew this recipe would become a regular in my rotation. The best part is that it all happens in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup when you’re already tired. This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta has saved countless weeknights and impressed more than a few dinner guests who couldn’t believe how simple it was to make.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Pasta

I always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the pre-grated kind because it melts so much smoother and creates that luxurious creamy texture. Pro tip: using low-sodium vegetable broth lets you control the salt level better than regular broth.

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Making This One-Pot Pasta

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft. You’ll see it turn from opaque white to a more see-through appearance.

Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another minute, stirring frequently. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned. Watch it carefully because garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter.

Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking for 6-8 minutes until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining. Season generously with salt and pepper as it cooks. The beef should have nice browned bits throughout.

Step 4: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t overcook it since it will sit in the hot sauce for a bit.

Step 5: Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits add tons of flavor. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Mix well and let it simmer gently for about 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as the cream reduces. Don’t let it boil vigorously or the cream might separate.

Step 7: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until it melts completely and becomes smooth. The sauce should turn into this glossy, creamy mixture that coats your spoon.

Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece of pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed.

Step 9: Serve immediately while hot, with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top.

Pro tip: Don’t skip seasoning the meat as it cooks. This builds layers of flavor throughout the dish instead of just on the surface.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Beef Pasta

This rich Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta pairs beautifully with sides that add freshness and texture to balance the creamy main dish.

Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery bread is essential for soaking up every bit of that incredible creamy sauce left in your bowl.

Crisp Salad or Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens and tangy vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.

Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add nutrition and color to your plate.

Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli florets provide vitamins, fiber, and a pleasant crunch alongside the tender pasta.

Cheesy Breadsticks: If you’re going all-in on comfort food, cheesy breadsticks complement this creamy pasta perfectly.

More Easy Stovetop Ground Beef Dinners

This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is the ultimate weeknight savior when you need comfort food fast. For more quick skillet meals, the Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl comes together in similar time with bold Asian flavors, while the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry keeps things light and fresh.

If you’re looking for hearty casseroles that can be prepped ahead, try the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole or the Easy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef – both are perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some sauce as it sits, which concentrates the flavors.

When reheating, I recommend adding a splash of milk or broth to the skillet or bowl before reheating. This helps restore the creamy consistency that may have thickened in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through completely.

Pro tip: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh since cream sauces can separate when frozen, but if you must freeze it, use it within 1 month and reheat very gently with added cream or milk to restore texture.

Common Pasta Questions

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