Creamy Beef Pasta

Dive Into Creamy Beef Pasta

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty plate of creamy beef pasta. This dish combines tender penne pasta with rich ground beef in a luscious, creamy sauce, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Whenever I whip this up, it feels like a warm hug; everyone gathers around, drawn by the tantalizing aromas wafting through the kitchen. If you’re after something that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare, you’ve found a winner with this recipe.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This creamy beef pasta checks all the boxes for a delightful meal. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and a surefire way to please picky eaters. The combination of savory ground beef, fresh garlic, and a rich cream sauce creates an indulgent experience that feels elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for a Tuesday night dinner.

What’s more, it comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for those nights when you need to whip up something delicious in a hurry.

"This creamy beef pasta was a hit with my kids! They devoured it and asked for seconds. It’s now a staple in our household." – Emily R., satisfied home cook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making creamy beef pasta is as simple as it is satisfying! Here’s a quick overview of the process to set your expectations:

1. Cook the penne until it’s al dente.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil for flavor.
3. Brown the ground beef and season it well.
4. Create your creamy sauce and mix in cooked pasta.

With each step, you’ll be closer to a delicious homemade meal that everyone will rave about.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing

Feel free to substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option, or try mixing in some spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.

Cooking Steps

1. Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.

2. In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they’re fragrant and soft, which should take about 5 minutes.

3. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks until it’s browned — this takes about 7 minutes. Don’t forget to season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning during this step.

4. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, mixing until you reach your desired sauce consistency.

5. Once the sauce is ready, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the creamy sauce.

6. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated in that rich sauce.

7. Serve hot, and feel free to garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley for that finishing touch!

Tips for Serving

For a delightful presentation, serve your creamy beef pasta with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and perhaps a few fresh basil leaves. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. You could also complement it with roasted vegetables or a light, zesty coleslaw for crunch.

Best Way to Store Creamy Beef Pasta

To keep your creamy beef pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, consider making the sauce and pasta separately, then combining them just before serving.

For longer storage, feel free to freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container. Just ensure it’s sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

Helpful Hints

• For an even richer flavor, try searing the beef before adding the onions and garlic.
• If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Don’t skip the step of reserving pasta water — it’s your secret weapon for achieving a perfect creamy consistency.

Creative Twists

Feel free to mix it up! You could add cooked mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies. For a lower-carb option, use spiralized zucchini in place of pasta. If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or incorporating a sprinkle of paprika for that smoky flavor.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?
It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick meal option.

Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works beautifully, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The creamy beef pasta can be made ahead and stored for easy reheating throughout the week.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or almond milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy creating this delicious dish and making it your own! Your family will thank you for the irresistible flavors and comforting vibes that creamy beef pasta offers.

Creamy Beef Pasta

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting dish combining tender penne pasta with rich ground beef in a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing

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Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until fragrant and soft.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks, and brown for about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, gradually adding reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece with sauce.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, consider searing the beef before adding the onions and garlic. Mix in some cooked mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, beef pasta, quick meals, family dinner, comfort food