Creamy Stovetop Ground Beef Pasta Onepot Wonder

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Easy OnePot Weeknight Dinner

By SandraJuly 25, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Creamy Stovetop Ground Beef Pasta

Fancy a quick, comforting dinner? I do! Have you ever craved something cheesy and filling? Well, let's dive into this super creamy ground beef pasta recipe.

Quick Hook

This recipe is so good. Seriously. This Creamy ground beef pasta is total comfort food. It is cheesy and beefy. What's not to love?

Brief Overview

This beef and tomato pasta is classic comfort food. It originated in home kitchens everywhere! It is so easy to make.

This recipe is beginner friendly. It only takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. You get about four servings. Perfect for a small family.

Or, just you and leftovers!

Main Benefits

This easy weeknight pasta dinner is packed with protein. It's perfect after a long day. It's also great for impressing friends and family.

The best part? It all cooks in one pot ! Less dishes! Who doesn't love that? This One-pot ground beef pasta is simply delicious.

This quick pasta meal is just the ticket, so let's gather the ingredients!.

Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear, Shall We?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this ridiculously easy and delicious Creamy ground beef pasta ! Honestly, the ingredient list is pretty straightforward.

This makes it perfect for a weeknight when you're craving serious comfort food pasta . Trust me, Easy weeknight pasta dinner is its middle name.

This cheesy ground beef pasta is so yummy and so easy to make!

Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show

Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Nothing fancy, just your everyday cooking oil.
Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) . Aim for 80-90% lean. You want flavor , not a greasy mess.
Yellow Onion: 1 small (approx. 1 cup/150g) , finely chopped.
Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Because garlic makes everything better, right?
Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp (5 ml) . Adds that lovely Italian "oomph."
Paprika: ½ tsp (2.5 ml) . This is totally optional.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp (30 ml) . This is what really gives it that authentic flavour.
Beef Broth: 3 cups (720 ml) . Chicken broth works too in a pinch.
Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can (411g) , undrained.
Pasta: 2½ cups (approx. 250g) . I like penne or rotini for this one-pot ground beef pasta recipe.
Heavy Cream: ½ cup (120 ml) . Or half and-half if you're feeling slightly virtuous.
Cheese: 1 cup (approx. 100g) . Cheddar or mozzarella, your call!
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or basil for garnish. Pretty and adds freshness.

Seasoning: Spice It Up (or Keep It Simple)

Italian seasoning is your MVP here. It hits all the right notes. Tomato paste adds that yummy umami flavor. Paprika is optional, but if you add it, you will spice it up! Want a spicy kick ? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick.

This beef and tomato pasta is a canvas. Experiment, have fun!

Equipment: Keep It Basic

A big skillet or Dutch oven: With a lid.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring, obviously.
Measuring spoons and cups: For measuring stuff.
Knife and cutting board: To chop the onion and garlic.

Don't sweat it if you don't have a fancy Dutch oven. A large skillet will do just fine for this stovetop pasta recipe .

This quick pasta meal is all about ease, remember?

So there you have it! All you need to make creamy beef pasta recipe . Simple, right? Let's get cooking! This could be a ground beef pasta bake if you wanted!

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: Your Weeknight Hero

Honestly, this creamy ground beef pasta is one of those recipes I whip out when I'm craving comfort food. You know those days? This is an easy weeknight pasta dinner that's ready in under 40 minutes.

Plus, it all happens in one pot. Hello, minimal washing up! It's a win-win. I think you're looking for a quick stovetop pasta recipe , and this is it!

Prep Steps: Operation Mise en Place!

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your act together. Chop one small yellow onion. Mince 3 garlic cloves.

Measure out 1 tsp Italian seasoning and 1/2 tsp paprika. Get the ground beef ready. Oh my gosh! It's so much easier when everything's prepped.

It really is an essential mise en place!

The One-Pot Wonder: step-by-step

Ready to get cooking? Here's how to make this one-pot ground beef pasta magic happen:

Brown 1 lb ground beef in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Drain the fat nobody wants a greasy pasta!
Sauté the chopped onion until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for another minute. Then, add 3 cups beef broth and one 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes (undrained).
Stir in 2 1/2 cups of uncooked short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells). Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium low. Cover and simmer for about 15- 20 minutes , or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Ta-dah!

Pro Tips: Secret Weapons for Pasta Perfection

Don't overcook the pasta! Nobody likes mushy pasta.
If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth. Too thin? Simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes! A cheesy ground beef pasta starts here.
Want to bake it? Turn it into a ground beef pasta bake by topping with extra cheese and baking until bubbly.

Time to Chow Down!

Serve it up! This is a beef and tomato pasta dish that's destined to become a family favourite. The creamy beef pasta recipe that saves the day.

And honestly, who doesn't love a good comfort food pasta ? Enjoy your tasty quick pasta meal and relax!

**Recipe Notes: Your Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Survival Guide**

Alright, so you're about to whip up this super easy weeknight pasta dinner? Awesome! But before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about a few things that'll make your experience even smoother.

Because honestly, who needs kitchen drama?

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Pasta Game

Presentation matters, even when you're just chilling at home. For plating, think simple. A nice bowl, a sprinkle of fresh parsley (if you're feeling fancy), and maybe a cheeky little dollop of sour cream on top.

Trust me, it makes a difference.

What about sides? Garlic bread is always a winner. A side salad? Perfect for balancing out the richness. And for drinks, I think a crisp glass of white wine or even an iced tea will fit perfectly.

I remember once I served this with some oven baked broccoli, and it was a match made in heaven.

Storage Tips: Pasta for Later? Yes, Please!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This creamy beef pasta recipe actually tastes even better the next day. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It will be good for about 3 days.

Freezing it is possible, but the texture of the pasta might change a bit. Just let it cool completely, then pop it into a freezer safe container.

It will last for up to 2 months.

Reheating? Microwave is your friend! Just add a splash of water or milk to loosen it up. Or you can reheat it on the stovetop.

Either way, make sure it's piping hot before serving.

Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen

Creamy ground beef pasta is a blank canvas. Want a lighter version? Use ground turkey instead of beef and skim milk instead of cream. You can also add a ton of vegetables.

Got dietary needs? Swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free. You can also use plant based cheese and beef subsitutes for a great tasting meal. Honestly, don't be afraid to experiment!

And you can mix the herbs and spices, maybe add a little heat with a dash of paprika or red pepper flakes to this otherwise Cheesy ground beef pasta .

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body

Okay, let's be real. This isn't exactly health food, but it's not the worst either. It's packed with protein from the beef and cheese, and carbs for energy.

It comes about 550 calories per serving. Also protein is at about 35g and Fat at 25g .

Beef gives you iron, which is essential for energy. Did you know that iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide? The calcium in the cheese will keep your bones happy.

Beef and tomato pasta provides a balance of macro nutrients. Quick pasta meals can still be nutritious, even if it is just comfort food pasta .

And of course, it's soul satisfying. So eat it, enjoy it, and don't feel guilty. It is an Easy weeknight pasta dinner , so enjoy!

So there you have it! A few extra tips to make your one-pot ground beef pasta experience even better. Now go on, get cooking and enjoy every single mouthful.

Remember, cooking should be fun, not stressful. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent my Creamy Ground Beef Pasta from being bland?

Bland pasta is a right drama, isn't it? To amp up the flavour, make sure you’re generous with your seasoning salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and even a pinch of red pepper flakes can work wonders. Also, don't skip browning the ground beef properly, as that adds a depth of flavour that's hard to beat!

Deglazing the pan after browning the beef is also a great tip!

Can I make Creamy Ground Beef Pasta ahead of time?

You can indeed, but bear in mind the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits. To avoid dry pasta, slightly undercook the pasta initially and add a splash of broth when reheating. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

It's like a leftovers episode of "Friends" - even better the next day!

What are some good variations or substitutions I can make to this recipe?

Fancy jazzing things up a bit? For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You could also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version. In case you are lactose intolerant, you can substitute the cream with a plant based cream.

My sauce is either too thick or too thin! How do I fix it?

We've all been there! If your sauce is too thick, simply add a splash more beef broth (or even water) until it reaches your desired consistency. On the flip side, if it's too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.

Keep an eye on it like you're watching the Bake Off finale!

Is Creamy Ground Beef Pasta healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

While incredibly comforting, this dish is relatively high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. Using leaner ground beef (at least 90% lean), reducing the amount of cheese, and opting for half and-half or skim milk instead of heavy cream can make it a bit lighter.

Balancing your meal with a side salad or roasted vegetables is a great way to add some extra nutrients too.

What's the best type of pasta to use for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, shells, or even macaroni work best as they hold the creamy sauce nicely. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, as they can get a bit clumpy in this type of dish.

Feel free to experiment and use your favorite shape just be mindful of the cooking time, as it can vary depending on the pasta!