There’s just something so comforting about a big skillet filled with a creamy, cheesy pasta—especially when you know it only took thirty minutes to whip up! Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is one of those no-fuss, one-pan wonders that transforms humble ingredients into a dinner the whole family will crave. This dish boasts an irresistibly silky sauce, tender noodles, savory beef, and melty cheddar, all perfectly seasoned and finished with a shower of fresh parsley. Whether you’re racing the clock on a busy weeknight or want a cozy meal to share with friends, this recipe totally delivers on flavor, ease, and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this recipe is essential—it’s a carefully balanced mix of flavors and textures that guarantees delicious results. Even the simplest ingredients play a starring role, so don’t skip or substitute them unless needed for dietary reasons!
- Ground beef: Choose 80-85% lean for the juiciest, most flavorful bites without excess grease.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Adds just the right touch of sweetness and depth, making the sauce richer.
- Garlic (minced): Three cloves is the magic number for bold, aromatic flavor—don’t hold back!
- Pasta (such as penne or rotini): Short shapes soak up the creamy sauce beautifully; pick your favorite or use gluten-free.
- Beef broth: Infuses the pasta with hearty, savory richness. Low-sodium works well if you want more control over seasoning.
- Heavy cream: The key to that luscious, velvety texture—sub with half-and-half or milk for a lighter finish, if you like.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts right into the sauce, giving every bite a gooey, tangy kick.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A quick hit of herbs for classic depth and a subtle, earthy aroma.
- Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors together—taste and adjust at the end if you need to.
- Black pepper: A little goes a long way, adding gentle warmth to tie everything together.
- Olive oil: Use good olive oil for sautéing, which sets the flavorful base for the sauce.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): That pop of green isn’t just pretty—it brings freshness and brightness to every plate.
How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and everything is fragrant—this takes about three minutes. The aroma might tempt you to sneak a taste right away, but patience pays off!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef right into the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it up so you get loads of little golden bits. Cook until it’s completely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, and don’t forget to drain excess fat if there’s too much in the pan—this keeps your sauce from being oily.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. The herbs will bloom in the hot pan, giving the beef a classic Italian backbone and making your kitchen smell amazing. Give it a quick stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Add Pasta & Liquids
Pile in the dry pasta, then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Try to submerge as much pasta as you can—it helps everything cook evenly and makes for the silkiest sauce. Bring the whole skillet to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the skillet and let the Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta simmer gently for about 12–15 minutes, stirring now and then to prevent sticking. The pasta will turn wonderfully tender as it absorbs those savory, creamy flavors, while most of the liquid thickens into a dreamy sauce.
Step 6: Make it Creamy and Cheesy
Toss in the shredded cheddar cheese once the pasta is cooked through. Stir until it’s completely melted and the sauce is glossy, creamy, and totally luscious. This is the moment when the whole dish comes together—it’s officially irresistible!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle over lots of chopped fresh parsley for that final, bright flourish. Not only does it add a restaurant-style finish, but it also cuts through the richness with a hint of freshness. Grab a fork—it’s time to dig into your Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta masterpiece!
How to Serve Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
Garnishes
A finishing touch can really elevate your Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta. Freshly chopped parsley is classic, but you could also toss in thin-sliced scallions, a dusting of extra cheddar, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Each garnish adds visual flair and a burst of fresh or spicy flavors.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a total meal on its own, but it loves company! Serve alongside a simple mixed green salad tossed in vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or crisp garlic bread to soak up every drop of that silky sauce. Roasted veggies or a crunchy slaw work for a slightly lighter touch.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve your Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta family-style straight from the skillet for that cozy, rustic vibe. Or, spoon it into shallow bowls, top each with an extra cheddar flourish, and finish with a barely-cracked black pepper for a dinner-party upgrade. For a fun weeknight hack, try baking leftovers under a blanket of additional cheese and broil for just a few minutes to create a bubbly, golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days for the easiest grab-and-reheat lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a solid option. Portion the cooled pasta into individual freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Just be prepared for the sauce to thicken a bit after thawing (a splash of cream when reheating can freshen things up).
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a few spoonfuls of cream, broth, or even milk to bring back that creamy texture. Stir often, and heat until steaming hot throughout. The flavors meld even more after a night in the fridge, making the leftovers just about irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and rotini work best for catching all the sauce, you can use shells, bowties, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as smaller or thinner shapes may finish faster.
How can I lighten up this recipe?
For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. Reduced-fat cheddar also melts nicely, and you can use leaner ground beef or even ground turkey for a different protein profile.
Can I add extra veggies to the Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta?
Of course! Stir in sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers along with the browned beef for extra color, nutrition, and texture. Just keep the quantities modest so you don’t affect the overall consistency.
What can I use in place of cheddar cheese?
No cheddar on hand? Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a handful of Parmesan for a slightly different flavor twist. Each melts beautifully into the creamy sauce—experiment and see what you love!
Is this recipe spicy?
As written, Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta isn’t spicy at all—just savory and rich. To add a kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions, or top each serving with a dash of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
If a dinner that’s simple, hearty, and irresistibly creamy checks all your boxes, you need to try Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta soon. It’s pure comfort in a bowl—perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you want a meal that’s both easy and unforgettable. Give it a spin, and get ready to make it a regular favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy stovetop pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef, cheese, and herbs, all cooked in a rich broth and cream sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Additional Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic, then add ground beef and seasonings.
- Cook Pasta: Add pasta, beef broth, and cream to the skillet. Simmer until pasta is tender.
- Finish Dish: Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Enhance with red pepper flakes or sautéed mushrooms
- Opt for low-fat cream or milk for a lighter version
- Dish reheats well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days
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