Description
Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce with browned ground beef, savory spices, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to release the aromas.
- Add Tomato Paste and Simmer: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Toss the cooked pasta and shredded mozzarella cheese into the skillet. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is well coated and the mozzarella is melted, creating a luscious creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish and serve the creamy ground beef pasta warm.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter protein alternative if preferred.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for additional vegetables and nutrients.
