Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Posted on July 31, 2025

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner solution: Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, all cooked together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that feels indulgent enough for a special occasion but is quick and easy enough for a busy Tuesday night. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the rich, savory flavors as it becomes perfectly al dente. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves a good pasta dish but dreads the thought of a sink full of pots and pans.

The beauty of this one-pot wonder extends beyond its convenience. The sauce, a velvety blend of beef broth, cream, and a touch of tomato, is perfectly balanced, creating a base that’s both rich and light on the palate. The ground beef, browned with onions and garlic, provides a deep, savory foundation, while the pasta, cooked right in the mix, adds a satisfying chew and substance. This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing for easy additions of your favorite vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, looking for a cozy meal for two, or need a reliable dish for potlucks and gatherings, this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Incredibly Flavorful: The pasta cooks in the sauce, absorbing all the rich, savory flavors.
Family-Friendly: A hearty and satisfying meal that both kids and adults will love.
Customizable: Easily add your favorite vegetables or a pinch of spice to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
4 cups beef broth
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as rotini, penne, or shells)
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your choice)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Follow these simple steps to create this one-pot masterpiece:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion to the pot with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, and bring to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from the heat.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the creamy pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty and delicious one-pot meal.

Helpful Tips for Success

Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef will result in less grease to drain off, making the dish a bit healthier.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers and check it for doneness to avoid it becoming mushy.
Stir Occasionally: Stirring the pasta as it cooks will prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan, would be delicious.
Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the onions.
Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, most short pasta shapes will work well in this recipe. Rotini, penne, shells, or elbow macaroni are all great choices.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: This dish is best served fresh, as the pasta can absorb more liquid and become soft upon reheating. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze this pasta dish?

A: Due to the creamy nature of the sauce, freezing is not recommended as it can cause the sauce to separate upon thawing and reheating.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?

A: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, though the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would be a great lighter alternative to ground beef in this recipe.

Conclusion

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and a joy to eat. Its one-pot nature makes it a weeknight hero, saving you time on cleanup without sacrificing flavor. The rich, creamy sauce, savory ground beef, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, the next time you’re in need of a quick, hearty, and delicious meal, look no further than this simple yet impressive pasta dish. It’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Alina