Go Back

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

A rich, hearty, and creamy pasta dish made with ground beef and a velvety sauce that’s perfect for a quick family dinner. This recipe brings comfort and flavor to your busy kitchen in just 35 minutes!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz about half a box of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, etc.)
  • 500 ml water
  • A pinch of salt

For the Ground Beef Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 works best for flavor
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: A handful of fresh spinach or arugula

Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring 500 ml of water with a pinch of salt to a boil in a large pot.
  • Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 8–10 minutes).
  • Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Brown the Ground Beef:

  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
  • Cook for about 7–10 minutes until the beef is nicely browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  • Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside, leaving some of the drippings in the pan.

Sauté the Vegetables:

  • In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Create the Creamy Sauce:

  • Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook with the onions and garlic for about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth.
  • Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and (if using) red pepper flakes.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

  • Return the browned ground beef to the skillet, stirring to combine it well with the creamy sauce.
  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
  • If you’re using fresh spinach or arugula, fold it in now so that it wilts just slightly.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Divide the creamy pasta among 4 bowls or plates.
  • Optionally, garnish with a little extra Parmesan or some fresh herbs before serving.
  • Enjoy your comforting, hearty pasta dish warm!