Creamy Beef Pasta

Creamy Beef Pasta: A Comfort Food Classic

If you’re like me, there are days when nothing hits the spot quite like a creamy, savory pasta dish. Creamy Beef Pasta is just that — a heartwarming blend of tender penne, earthy ground beef, and a rich sauce that makes any weeknight feel special. It’s the kind of recipe you turn to when you want something quick yet satisfying, perfect for family dinners or even a cozy date night at home.

Why you’ll love this dish

What makes Creamy Beef Pasta a go-to for so many home cooks is its incredible versatility and ease of preparation. This dish is not only quick to throw together — taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish — but it’s also affordable, making it budget-friendly for busy families. Plus, it garners approval from picky eaters and children alike. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, ideal for weeknights when you need comfort without spending hours cooking.

"This creamy beef pasta has become a staple in our household — it’s quick, delicious, and everyone loves it! The flavor is out of this world." — Jane D.

How this recipe comes together

Before jumping into the ingredient list, let’s set the stage for how this delicious dish comes together. You’ll start by cooking the penne pasta until it’s al dente, then whip up a delectable creamy sauce filled with sautéed onions, garlic, and seasoned ground beef. Mixing it all together is simple, yet the end result is something you might expect from a gourmet restaurant.

Gather these items

To create your own Creamy Beef Pasta, gather the following ingredients:

• 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 your veggies)

For a twist, feel free to substitute whole wheat pasta or a non-dairy alternative for the heavy cream, depending on your dietary preferences.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later.

2. Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until they’re fragrant and translucent.

3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart as it cooks, stirring until it’s browned, which should take roughly 7 minutes. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to bring out the flavors.

4. Make the Sauce: Lower the heat, then pour in the heavy cream. Gradually add your reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts beautifully into the sauce.

5. Combine Everything: Toss the cooked penne with the creamy beef sauce, making sure all the pasta is well coated.

6. Serve: Serve hot and, if you’d like, garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

Best ways to enjoy it

Creamy Beef Pasta is best served immediately while it’s warm and comforting. For an elegant touch, plate the pasta in wide, shallow bowls and top with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a handful of fresh parsley. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and inviting.

Storage and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (which may be rare, this dish is that good!), it’s important to store them properly. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, where it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just add a splash of water or extra cream to revive the sauce before warming it over low heat on the stove. If you need to freeze it, I recommend freezing the sauce separately from the pasta to maintain its creaminess. It can be safely frozen for up to two months.

Helpful cooking tips

• Don’t skip reserving pasta water: This starchy water helps to adjust the sauce consistency beautifully.
• Use lean ground beef: This ensures you enjoy a delicious flavor without too much greasiness.
• Melt cheese gradually: Adding it slowly allows for better incorporation into the sauce.

Creative twists

Want to change things up? Consider adding some cooked spinach or roasted red peppers for an extra pop of color and nutrition. You could also swap the seasoning for fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, to bring a new layer of flavor to the dish.

Common questions

1. How long does it take to make Creamy Beef Pasta?

   • The whole process takes about 25-30 minutes.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

   • Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.

3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

   • You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a touch of flour, or even coconut cream for a non-dairy option.

4. How do I know when the beef is cooked through?

   • Ensure that the beef is no longer pink inside and has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

   • Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Final thoughts

Creamy Beef Pasta is not just another pasta dish; it’s a delicious way to gather around the dinner table and share a moment with your loved ones. I encourage you to give it a try, adjust it to your liking, and savor the warmth it brings. Don’t forget to leave a comment on your experience — I’d love to hear how you enjoyed this recipe!

Creamy Beef Pasta

A heartwarming creamy and savory pasta dish that combines tender penne with seasoned ground beef and a rich sauce, perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and meat

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef Use lean ground beef for less greasiness.

Sauce and seasoning

• 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Melt cheese gradually for better incorporation.
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing the veggies.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until they’re fragrant and translucent.

Cooking

1. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart as it cooks, stirring until it’s browned, which should take roughly 7 minutes. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to bring out the flavors.
2. Lower the heat, then pour in the heavy cream. Gradually add your reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts beautifully into the sauce.
3. Toss the cooked penne with the creamy beef sauce, making sure all the pasta is well coated.
4. Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Creamy Beef Pasta is best served immediately while it’s warm. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.