Hey there, friend! If you’ve been searching for an easy, satisfying dinner idea that won’t have you spending hours in the kitchen, I’ve got just the recipe for you. Picture this: a creamy, comforting pasta dish filled with lean ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and seasoned perfectly with Italian herbs. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta will hit the spot!
This recipe brings together pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning to create a hearty meal that feels indulgent without all the fuss. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, meaning you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the meal than spend hours over the stove. One bite, and I guarantee it’ll quickly become a favorite on your dinner table, too.
Why You’ll Love This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta:
- Quick and easy: Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Creamy and delicious: A rich, creamy tomato sauce that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Use lean ground beef, ground turkey, or even Italian sausage!
- Perfect for busy weeknights: Comfort food made simple, so you can spend more time with family.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ground beef: I recommend lean ground beef for a balanced, hearty flavor, but feel free to switch it up with ground turkey for a lighter option or Italian sausage for an extra kick!
- Heavy cream: The key to a smooth, velvety sauce. If you’re in a pinch, whole milk or even coconut milk works as a substitute.
- Tomato paste & canned diced tomatoes: These form the base of the sauce, infusing it with a rich, tangy flavor.
- Pasta: Opt for pasta shells, elbow macaroni, or any shape that will hold onto that creamy sauce.
- Olive oil, garlic, and onions: These aromatic ingredients build the foundation of flavor.
- Italian seasoning: For that herby, savory note that ties everything together.
How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water and cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, toss in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. - Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it cook for about 8 minutes or until the beef is nicely browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary. - Make the Sauce
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. Add the heavy cream and cook for another 3-5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken. - Toss with Pasta
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing it until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese for that extra bit of indulgence.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Pasta:
- Pasta Choice: Pick a pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well, like pasta shells or elbow macaroni. These shapes will trap the sauce and beef in every bite.
- Meat Options: Lean ground beef gives the dish a rich flavor, but ground turkey or Italian sausage are great alternatives. Feel free to mix and match!
- Creamy Substitutes: If you’re out of heavy cream, try using whole milk or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free option.
Storing Leftovers:
This dish makes fantastic leftovers, and you’ll be happy to have some stored away for the next day! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. If you need to reheat, simply add a splash of chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life and heat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
You can also freeze this creamy pasta for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then warm it up on the stove, adding a bit of cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.
A Meal to Remember:
This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a busy day or making a weeknight dinner feel special, this dish delivers every time. Simple ingredients, a little love, and just the right amount of seasoning are all you need to create a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Enjoy every bite of this creamy, comforting pasta—it’s the perfect way to end any day!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 oz uncooked pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. - Brown the Ground Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. - Prepare the Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly. Add heavy cream and cook for another 3-5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken. - Combine Pasta and Sauce
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. - Serve
Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your delicious stovetop creamy ground beef pasta!
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