introduction

Creamy Beef Pasta is a quick, warm dish that uses ground beef, cream, and pasta. It cooks fast and fills the kitchen with a nice smell. If you want other simple beef ideas, try the beef breakfast sausage recipe for a different way to use ground beef.

why make this recipe

Make this recipe when you want a fast, comforting meal. It uses few ingredients and little prep. The sauce is rich and the pasta soaks up the flavors. Kids and adults usually like it.

how to make Creamy Beef Pasta

This method follows the recipe steps and keeps things easy.

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

Directions :

Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

In case you want a more elegant beef dish for guests, see the Beef Wellington recipe for a special occasion idea.

how to serve Creamy Beef Pasta

Serve it hot in shallow bowls. Add more grated Parmesan on top. A small green salad or steamed vegetables go well with it. You can also add a sprinkle of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

how to store Creamy Beef Pasta

Let the pasta cool to room temperature but do not leave it out more than two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts and stir.

tips to make Creamy Beef Pasta

Use lean ground beef so the sauce does not get too oily.
Save some pasta water; the starch helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
Grate fresh Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
If you want a quicker change, swap half the beef for crumbled sausage as in the beef breakfast sausage guide.
Cook garlic and onion slowly so they turn sweet but do not burn.

variation (if any)

Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for an extra tangy flavor.
Swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or another pasta shape you like.

FAQs

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey works, but the flavor will be milder. Season it well.

Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Add less pasta water and let the sauce simmer a bit longer. Stir in more Parmesan to thicken it too.

Q: Is this dish freezable?
A: You can freeze it, but cream sauces can change texture after freezing. Freeze in a tight container and thaw slowly, then reheat with a splash of milk.

Q: Can I make this for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before eating. For best texture, add a little milk when reheating.

Conclusion

For another simple one-pot take on creamy beef pasta, you can look at the detailed one-pot creamy beef pasta recipe on Butter Be Ready for ideas and tips.