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Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

A rich and comforting Creamy Beef Pasta recipe combining tender ground beef, a velvety heavy cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy and family-friendly dish is ideal for busy weeknights and customizable with your choice of pasta, proteins, or veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or preferred shape)
  • Salt (for pasta water)

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes and Add-ins

  • Chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • Optional herbs: basil or parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.
  2. Cook the beef and aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
  3. Create the creamy sauce: Lower the heat and stir in butter until melted. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta with sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the mixture for a silky finish.
  5. Final seasoning and garnish: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of freshness before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother melt and better flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds up better when mixed with sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and pasta perfectly.
  • Ground chuck offers great flavor and fat content, but lean beef works if preferred.
  • Simmer gently when adding cream and cheese to avoid curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy beef pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, creamy sauce, ground beef recipe