Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a simple, comforting meal that brings together tender pasta, rich ground beef, and a smooth, creamy sauce that everyone will enjoy. The combination of hearty beef and cheesy cream makes it a perfect dish for a cozy night in or a quick family dinner.
I love making this pasta when I want something filling but easy to throw together. The best part is how the creamy sauce coats every bite, making each forkful just melt in your mouth. It’s one of those meals that always feels like a warm hug on a plate.
My favorite way to serve it is with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little extra cheese on top. It pairs nicely with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. Whenever I make this, it’s a hit with everyone around the table, and there’s almost never any leftovers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 85% lean ground beef because it has enough fat for flavor without being too greasy. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter substitute but may be less juicy.
Pasta: Rotini and gemelli work great here because their twists hold onto the creamy sauce well. Penne or fusilli are good substitutes too.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its smooth, rich texture. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick. Coconut cream is an option for a dairy-free twist but changes the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice sharpness and helps thicken the sauce. Pecorino Romano or Asiago are tasty alternatives if you want to switch it up.
Beef Broth: It adds depth to the sauce. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth work fine.
How Do I Make the Creamy Sauce Smooth and Delicious?
Getting the sauce creamy without lumps is key to this dish. Here’s how I do it:
- After browning the beef, don’t rush adding liquids. Let the beef bits cook a bit with seasonings to build flavor.
- Pour in beef broth and reduce slightly—it concentrates the taste and starts thickening.
- Lower the heat before adding heavy cream and Parmesan. High heat can cause the dairy to separate.
- Stir constantly while the cheese melts to keep the sauce smooth and rich.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more broth or cream to loosen it up.
Taking time with these steps makes the sauce velvety and coats the pasta perfectly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use this to cook the pasta so it doesn’t stick together and is easy to drain.
- Skillet or sauté pan – perfect for browning the beef and simmering the sauce all in one place.
- Colander – helps drain the pasta quickly without losing any pieces.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – makes stirring and breaking up the beef easy without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – so your ingredients are just right and easy to follow.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten it up or make it leaner.
- For a bit of heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for some extra veggies and flavor.
- Use different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan to vary the taste.
Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Beef:
- 12 oz rotini or gemelli pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasonings:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes cooking the pasta and 15–20 minutes prepping and making the creamy beef sauce. It’s a great quick meal that comes together nicely on a weeknight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s just tender but still firm (al dente). Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Brown the Beef & Sauté Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s browned and no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes so it reduces a bit. Turn the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Pasta & Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it well to make sure each piece is coated in the creamy beef sauce. Let everything heat through together for 1–2 minutes.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Taste and add more salt or pepper if you like. Serve the pasta warm, topped with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a lovely finish.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw the ground beef before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This helps it cook evenly and prevents excess moisture in your sauce.
Can I Make This Pasta Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat gently on the stove when ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator. When reheating, warm gently over low heat while stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. You might add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce’s creaminess.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve with this Creamy Ground Beef Pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread to balance the creamy richness of the pasta.
