Name: Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ¾ cup heavy/whipping cream; 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained; 8 oz uncooked pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ sweet yellow onion, chopped; 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

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If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, you’ve got to try this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that brings together tender ground beef, a luscious creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one skillet. This recipe is foolproof, quick to prepare, and hits that cozy, indulgent spot we all love when dinner time rolls around. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or whipping up a solo dinner, this dish will definitely become one of your go-to favorites.

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity; every ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color that make the dish so irresistible.

1 lb ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base that makes this pasta fulfilling and rich.
¾ cup heavy cream: Adds that signature creamy texture and smoothness to the sauce.
14 oz canned diced tomatoes (undrained): Brings freshness and a slight tang that balances the richness perfectly.
8 oz uncooked pasta: The pasta cooks to al dente and absorbs the flavorful sauce wonderfully.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and browning the beef, contributing depth and aroma.
½ sweet yellow onion, chopped: Infuses a gentle sweetness and soft texture in the sauce.
1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic: Adds a warm, savory punch that elevates the entire dish.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a beautiful richness.
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: A subtle tang that sharpens and brightens the sauce’s flavor profile.
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Blends in classic herbs that enhance the overall Italian-inspired vibe.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all ingredients into harmony.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional): Offers a salty, nutty finish as a perfect garnish.

How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt not only seasons the pasta but also boosts its texture. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente consistency—firm but with a slight bite. Then, drain and set it aside; it’s about to soak up all the creamy goodness.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped sweet onion and let it soften for 4 to 5 minutes—the sweetness from the onion gives the sauce incredible depth. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation that makes the whole dish sing.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef to your skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks for about 8 minutes, until it’s nicely browned. This caramelization adds savory richness. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy, giving you a perfectly balanced dish.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Now it’s time for the sauce magic. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for 4 to 5 minutes—it thickens slightly and those flavors meld beautifully into a robust, tangy base that’s far from ordinary.

Step 5: Add the Cream

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. This creates that signature creamy texture that defines the dish. Let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce is luxuriously thick and silky, ready to coat every strand of your pasta.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Finally, toss the cooked pasta into your skillet, ensuring each piece is smothered in that creamy, meaty sauce. Give it a good stir so every bite bursts with flavor. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste—this tiny step brings everything together perfectly.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve your Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe hot, and if you like, sprinkle with a generous handful of freshly grated parmesan cheese. The cheese adds an irresistible salty, nutty crunch that elevates every forkful.

How to Serve Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly grated parmesan is a classic choice, but you can also add chopped fresh parsley or basil to brighten the dish with a burst of green freshness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick for those who like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy beef pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce, turning your meal into a full-on comfort experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style meal, serve the pasta directly in the skillet or a rustic casserole dish, encouraging everyone to dig in and share. If you’re feeling fancy, plate the pasta in individual bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs and a few parmesan curls for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the leftover creamy ground beef pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe freezes well. Portion it out, place it in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain that creamy texture and rich flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwaving works too, but be sure to stir halfway through to warm evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe works beautifully with pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni, feel free to use your favorite pasta—spaghetti, fusilli, or even shells will soak up the sauce wonderfully and bring their own unique texture to the dish.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or use cooked vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils to keep it hearty and satisfying. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and you’ll still get a creamy, delicious meal.

What kind of heavy cream works best?

Look for high-quality heavy or whipping cream with at least 36% milk fat for the best creaminess. Avoid ultra-pasteurized varieties if possible; fresh cream will give your sauce a richer flavor and better texture.

Can I prepare part of this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can cook the pasta and prepare the beef tomato sauce a day ahead, then combine with the cream right before serving. This helps save time on busy days while keeping the sauce fresh and creamy.

How do I adjust the recipe if I want it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the aromatics or incorporate a splash of hot sauce into the sauce during the cream addition step. Freshly chopped chili peppers can also be sautéed with the onions for a natural kick that complements the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Easy enough to whip up any night but impressive enough to serve for guests, it hits every note of comfort food perfection. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself—you’re going to love how simple ingredients come together to create something so satisfying and full of flavor!

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta recipe is a comforting and easy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender ground beef, a rich tomato and cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it combines simple pantry ingredients to create a deliciously creamy and flavorful meal.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 4–5 minutes to meld the flavors and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce until well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy ground beef pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
If you want a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Parmesan cheese garnish is optional but adds a nice salty depth to the dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian