If you’re searching for a meal that’s as comforting as it is easy to make, look no further than this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta. Picture a skillet packed with tender pasta, a rich and savory tomato-beef sauce, and a luxurious creaminess that ties everything together. It’s the kind of hearty, budget-friendly dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes and delivers pure satisfaction with every bite. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend treat, this dish promises big flavor with simple ingredients. If you love creamy, cheesy pasta and enjoy one-pot meals, you’re going to adore this!

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta plays an important role, adding flavor, color, or that irresistible creamy texture. Trust me, simple doesn’t mean boring here—it’s about making each element shine!

Ground beef: Opt for leaner ground beef for less grease, but any variety brings hearty richness and savory depth.
Olive oil: This little drizzle not only helps the beef brown beautifully, but lends a subtle fruitiness.
Yellow onion: Diced onion sweetens and adds aromatic complexity as it sautés into the sauce.
Garlic: Just two cloves add a punch of bold, earthy flavor—don’t skip it!
Italian seasoning: This classic blend infuses the dish with herby brightness for extra dimension.
Salt and black pepper: Essentials for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in your skillet.
Beef broth: Cooking the pasta directly in broth deepens the savory undertones and gives the sauce body.
Diced tomatoes: Use canned, undrained tomatoes to add tang, texture, and even more sauce.
Uncooked pasta: Penne or rotini work best—you want something sturdy to soak up all the creamy goodness.
Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety finish. For a lighter twist, you can sub half-and-half.
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melty cheese takes this creamy pasta sauce totally over the top.
Chopped parsley: It’s more than a garnish—it adds color and a pop of freshness at the end.

How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks, letting it brown evenly. This is your first flavor-building moment, so take a little time to get some nice color on the meat. Once it’s browned, drain off any excessive grease to keep things from getting heavy.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced yellow onion straight into the beef you’ve just browned and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’re looking for it to soften and get fragrant. Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. These additions will fill your kitchen with that classic Italian pasta aroma!

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and the entire contents of the can of diced tomatoes (juice included). Stir everything together—this combo forms the base of your future creamy, savory sauce. Make sure the liquid is well mixed with the meat and aromatics.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Now for a little magic—add your uncooked penne or rotini right to the skillet with the sauce. Give it a good stir to submerge the pasta, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, checking and stirring occasionally. The pasta should be just tender and most of the liquid absorbed into rich flavor.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Once your pasta is cooked, it’s time to finish the Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta! Stir in the heavy cream and the shredded cheese. As you combine, the sauce becomes gorgeously silky and cheesy—truly irresistible. Let it bubble gently for another 2 to 3 minutes to thicken and meld together perfectly.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Scoop your creamy pasta into bowls while piping hot, finishing each portion with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. The fresh herbs give a pop of green that’s as pretty as it is flavorful!

How to Serve Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Garnishes

While chopped parsley is a classic, you can also add a shower of freshly grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy finish. The little touches make each serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This dish is a full meal on its own, but it also plays nicely with garlic bread, a simple green salad with Italian vinaigrette, or roasted veggies like broccoli. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, serve Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta family-style in a big, colorful serving bowl. Or portion it into ramekins and top with a little extra melted cheese for a more elegant touch—it’s comfort food made party-ready.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a wonderful make-ahead dinner or quick lunch solution.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Spoon cooled portions into individual containers or freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—just note that creamy sauces sometimes separate a bit when frozen, but everything comes together again after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or a little extra cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Stir well and heat until everything is piping hot and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even use ground pork for a richer flavor. The result will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.

What other types of pasta can I use?

Penne and rotini are great for holding onto the creamy sauce, but feel free to use shells, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just keep an eye on cooking time—the pasta should be tender and not mushy.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Most work beautifully, but check the cooking times as some brands vary.

Can I make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta in advance?

Yes! Prepare the dish as usual, let it cool, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat with a little splash of cream or broth to bring back the silky texture—perfect for meal prep or a make-ahead gathering.

What vegetables can I add to bulk things up?

Feel free to toss in spinach, bell peppers, or even peas for color and extra nutrition. Add heartier veggies early with the onion and softer ones near the end of cooking to keep them vibrant.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta yet, you’re in for a real treat. It’s a crave-worthy, all-in-one dish that’s sure to make any night feel a little more special. Give it a whirl and make it your own—you won’t believe how quickly it becomes a family favorite!

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. Tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheesy sauce come together in this easy stovetop recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef:

1 pound ground beef

Other Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef in olive oil.
Add Aromatics: Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant.
Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes, then stir in the uncooked pasta.
Simmer: Cover and simmer until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Finish and Serve: Let simmer briefly to thicken, then garnish with parsley before serving.