Introduction
Transform humble ground beef and pasta into a restaurant-worthy creamy masterpiece in under 20 minutes! This recipe is your ultimate weeknight lifesaver, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. Get ready to ditch takeout and embrace a comforting, flavorful meal the whole family will adore.
Why This Works
This recipe shines because of its incredible speed and simplicity. It uses pantry staples, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor. The creamy sauce coats the pasta perfectly, creating a rich and satisfying experience without any complicated techniques. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
- 🧀 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 🍝 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ Brown the beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3️⃣ Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4️⃣ Simmer the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
5️⃣ Combine and serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (if using). Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works well too (use about 1 tablespoon).
- Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is ideal for browning the ground beef quickly and evenly. Lower the heat to medium-low once you add the tomatoes and cream to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe is primarily creamy, you can add a textural contrast by topping with toasted breadcrumbs, chopped nuts, or even some crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use pre-chopped onions and garlic to save even more time.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of heavy cream, but add 1 tablespoon of butter at the end.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t traditionally giftable, but you could package a batch of the sauce separately as a homemade gift, perhaps with a nice pasta bow.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
🌟 Mushroom: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy twist.
🌟 Spinach: Stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
🌟 Bacon: Add 4-5 slices of crispy bacon, crumbled, to the finished dish.
Troubleshooting
- Sauce too thick: Add a little more pasta water or a splash of milk to thin it out.
- Sauce too thin: Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Beef too dry: Make sure you don’t overcook it; drain excess grease before adding other ingredients.
FAQ
- Can I use different pasta? Absolutely! Any short pasta shape will work well.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before adding the pasta.
- Can I freeze this? Yes, freeze the cooked pasta in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Can I add vegetables? Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Add them with the onions and garlic.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is your new go-to weeknight dinner! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for busy families. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your culinary creations on Ratemyrecipes.com!
30-Minute Creamy Beef Pasta: Weeknight Winner
A quick and delicious creamy beef pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.