Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is the ultimate one-pan comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of savory flavor. Tender pasta cooks right in the same skillet as the seasoned ground beef and velvety cream sauce, making this an easy, satisfying meal I can have on the table fast. It’s perfect for busy nights when I want something warm and filling with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, budget-friendly, and tastes like something much more indulgent. Everything cooks in one pot, and the creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta while the beef brings savory depth. It’s endlessly adaptable, kid-friendly, and great for leftovers. Whether I’m cooking for the family or just myself, this dish always delivers.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Onion, finely chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Italian seasoning or dried oregano

• Tomato paste

• Beef broth

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work well)

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Olive oil or butter

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. I heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes.

2. I add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. I drain excess fat if needed.

3. I stir in the garlic, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute to deepen the flavor.

4. I pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then add the uncooked pasta.

5. I stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened.

6. I stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

7. I taste and adjust the seasoning, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings. Prep takes 10 minutes, and cook time is about 20 minutes—so dinner is ready in around 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra veggies. I’ve also swapped the beef for ground turkey or sausage when I want something lighter or spicier. For a tomato-forward version, I stir in a little marinara or diced tomatoes. When I want a cheesier finish, I mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar at the end.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture. It reheats really well and tastes just as good the next day.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

This recipe works best with uncooked pasta so it absorbs the sauce while cooking, but if I use cooked pasta, I reduce the liquid slightly and simmer just until heated through.

What kind of pasta works best?

I like short pasta like penne, shells, or rotini—they hold the sauce well. Elbow macaroni works too for a mac-and-cheese feel.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. I use a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan version.

How do I keep the sauce from drying out?

I simmer gently and stir often. If it thickens too much, I just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.

Can I freeze this?

Yes, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly after thawing. I freeze in portions and reheat with a bit of liquid to restore the creaminess.

Conclusion

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a quick, comforting meal I can rely on any night of the week. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor—all made in a single skillet. Whether I’m serving it to my family or storing leftovers for later, it’s a deliciously easy recipe that always hits the spot.