why make this recipe
This dish is quick, creamy, and full of flavor. It uses simple ingredients you likely have at home. It makes a warm weeknight meal that most people enjoy. For a related hearty beef idea, try the hot honey ground beef bowl for another easy dinner.
introduction
Creamy Beef Pasta is a simple pasta dish with browned ground beef and a rich cream sauce. You cook the pasta, brown the beef with onion and garlic, then stir in cream and Parmesan. The result is a smooth, filling meal that comes together in about 30 minutes. If you like easy one-skillet meals, see the hot honey ground beef bowl for another quick idea.
how to make Creamy Beef Pasta
Follow the steps so the sauce stays smooth and the beef cooks well. First cook pasta until al dente and save some pasta water. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, add and brown the beef, then season. Lower the heat and add heavy cream. Stir in pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is the thickness you like. Add Parmesan and stir until melted. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat evenly. For a tip on balancing flavors, read the hot honey ground beef bowl post for a simple seasoning idea.
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.
how to serve Creamy Beef Pasta
Serve it hot in bowls or on plates. Add extra grated Parmesan on top and a sprinkle of black pepper. A small green salad or steamed vegetables make a good side. You can also serve with garlic bread. If you want another simple beef and pasta pairing, check the hot honey ground beef bowl for inspiration.
how to store Creamy Beef Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature before storing. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of cream or water if the sauce is thick. For a make-ahead meal idea, see the hot honey ground beef bowl to plan similar prep steps.
tips to make Creamy Beef Pasta
Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce a little at a time. Do not boil the cream; keep the heat low when you add it. Grate fresh Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Brown the beef well for more taste. For more simple ground beef tips, visit the hot honey ground beef bowl article.
variation (if any)
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers when you sauté the onion.
- Swap penne for fusilli, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Stir in a handful of spinach at the end for extra greens.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey works but the flavor will be milder. Season well.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Cook a little longer on low heat after adding Parmesan. Add less pasta water.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze it, but the cream may change texture. Freeze in a tight container and thaw slowly, then reheat gently.
Q: Do I need to drain the pasta fully?
A: Drain but save about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. The water helps adjust sauce consistency.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes. Add them while you sauté the onion or toss in quick-cooking greens at the end.
Conclusion
This recipe joins many easy, creamy beef pasta ideas online. For a version with tomato and one-pot cooking, see one pot creamy tomato beef pasta – RecipeTin Eats. For another creamy beef pasta take with similar steps, try the Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe | Cookies and Cups. If you want a one-pot method and extra tips, visit One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta – Butter Be Ready.
Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta Use any type of pasta you prefer.
- 1 lb lean ground beef Ground turkey can be used as a substitute.
- 1 cup heavy cream Half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is best for melting.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning Season to taste.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing the onion and garlic.
Instructions
Cooking
- 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.
