Description

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender pasta cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with seasoned ground beef. This hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a satisfying and flavorful dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Beef and Aromatics

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Pasta

2 cups beef broth
2 cups milk
2 1/2 cups uncooked short pasta (such as penne or rotini)

Seasonings

1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheeses

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat over medium heat and add ground beef. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and milk. Stir in the uncooked pasta along with salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly reduced.
Add Cheeses: Stir in Parmesan, cheddar, and cream cheese until all the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Rest and Garnish: Let the pasta rest off the heat for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
Add frozen peas or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking to incorporate extra vegetables.