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Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe – Easy One-Pan Weeknight Winner

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This creamy ground beef pasta is a comforting, one-pan dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
  • 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, shells, or fusilli)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 2 1/2 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, smoked preferred)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean beef)
  • Optional: a couple handfuls baby spinach
  • Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions

  1. Set a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 4-5 minutes until mostly browned, leaving a few pink spots. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.
  3. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the beef and onions.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine and scrape up any brown bits from the pan.
  5. Stir in dry pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Add a splash more broth or water if needed. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. Add more broth if needed.
  7. Stir in heavy cream and shredded mozzarella. Mix until cheese melts and sauce is glossy and creamy, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Fold in any extras (spinach, peas, red pepper flakes) and let them wilt or warm through, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. Serve hot in bowls, topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, swap cream for unsweetened oat or coconut milk and use vegan cheese. Stir regularly to prevent sticking. Adjust liquid as needed for different pasta shapes. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day. Garnish with Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy ground beef pasta, one-pan pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, skillet pasta, beef pasta recipe

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-ground-beef-pasta-recipe-easy-one-pan-weeknight-winner/