Description

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is an easy, comforting one-pot meal combining tender pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce and savory ground beef. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features a creamy blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar melted into a tomato-infused beef broth base, seasoned with Italian herbs for a flavorful finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta & Liquids

12 oz penne or rotini pasta
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream

Dairy & Cheese

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Other

2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary for a cleaner sauce.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened and the mixture is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Combine Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, approximately 15-18 minutes.
Add Cream and Cheeses: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar until fully melted and smooth.
Thicken Sauce and Season: Continue cooking on low heat for a few minutes to thicken the sauce to your preferred consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
Serve Warm: Remove from heat and serve this creamy, hearty pasta immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add spinach or peas for extra vegetables and added nutrition.
If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.