This hearty stovetop creamy ground beef pasta has tender pasta, a rich, smooth sauce, and tasty ground beef, all in one pot.

This is a quick and comforting meal that is great for busy weeknights or when you want something warm to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy it is to make this dish. It all comes together in one pot, so there’s not much to clean up. The mix of tasty ground beef, fragrant spices, and a creamy, cheesy sauce is too good to pass up. You can also change the recipe by using your favorite pasta shapes or adding more vegetables.

What you need

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped finely
• 1 small onion, chopped very small
• 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• Two cups of beef broth
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), drained
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• Two cups of uncooked pasta, like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni, work well.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or saucepan, I heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. I add the ground beef and cook it until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). If there’s excess fat, I drain it off.
2. Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Next, I add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Then, I stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to build a flavorful base.
3. Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes: I pour in the beef broth and stir in the diced tomatoes, bringing everything to a simmer. I let it cook for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors together.

4. Add the Pasta: I stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. I reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid gets low, I add a little extra broth or water to prevent sticking.
5. Make It Creamy: Once the pasta is tender, I stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. I let the sauce simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, during which time it thickened into a rich, creamy coating for the pasta.
6. Serve: I add fresh parsley and extra Parmesan to the pasta and serve it hot. It’s always a hit!

Servings & Time

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
• For a spicier kick, stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out, then heat it gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

How can I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking?

I make sure to stir the pasta occasionally and add a bit more liquid if it looks dry. Keeping it submerged in the sauce helps too.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes, I can freeze it for up to 2 months in an airtight container. However, the creamy sauce may slightly change texture upon reheating.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

I prefer sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni since they hold up well in the creamy sauce.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Shredded mozzarella, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano are great alternatives to Parmesan.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

I like using lean ground beef or turkey, whole wheat pasta, and light cream for a healthier twist. Adding vegetables also boosts its nutritional value.

Conclusion

This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is the ultimate comfort food—quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or a casual family meal, this one-pot wonder is sure to satisfy everyone around the table.

This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is a one-pot wonder featuring tender pasta, a rich, cheesy sauce, and savory ground beef. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a hearty, comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients Recap

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked (5-7 minutes), then drain any excess fat.
2. Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in beef broth and stir in diced tomatoes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to combine flavors.
4. Add the Pasta: Stir in uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if needed.
5. Make It Creamy: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve warm.

Notes

• Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to your meal to make it healthier.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.

Additional Information

• Time to get ready: 10 minutes
• Time to cook: 20 minutes
• Type: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 470 kcal