Creamy Garlic Beef With Pasta

Creamy Garlic Beef with Pasta is the kind of comforting, stick-to-my-ribs meal I crave after a long day. Tender, seasoned ground beef is simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce, then tossed with hearty pasta for a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl—easy enough for weeknights, cozy enough for lazy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s loaded with flavor and comes together in one pan with very little fuss. The beef brings savory richness, the garlic adds bold depth, and the cream sauce ties everything together into a luscious, silky finish. It’s kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable depending on what I have in the pantry. Plus, it reheats beautifully—perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (lean or regular)

• Pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short pasta)

• Onion (finely chopped)

• Garlic (minced)

• Heavy cream

• Beef broth

• Parmesan cheese (grated)

• Olive oil or butter

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, parsley for garnish

Directions

1. I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. I drain and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft.

3. I add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. I season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want some heat.

5. Once the beef is fully cooked, I pour in the beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors develop.

6. I stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. I let it cook for a few more minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.

7. I add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

8. I toss in the cooked pasta and stir everything together until well coated.

9. I serve it hot, garnished with parsley and more parmesan if I’m feeling generous.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–5 hearty servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, so I usually have it on the table in just 35 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I like to play around with the flavors based on what I have:

• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.

• Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra veggies.

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

• Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or cream cheese for a tangy twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of milk or cream and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until creamy and hot. I don’t recommend freezing, as the cream sauce can separate.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the beef and sauce ahead, then cook the pasta fresh and combine them when I’m ready to eat. It saves time and keeps the texture just right.

What’s the best pasta to use?

I prefer short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini—they hold onto the creamy sauce really well. But any pasta I have on hand will work just fine.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

I can, but the sauce will be thinner. To make it creamier, I sometimes add a bit of cream cheese or reduce the milk slightly.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce feels too thin, I simmer it a bit longer or stir in extra parmesan. A cornstarch slurry also works in a pinch.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely. I add crushed red pepper flakes, or stir in a spoonful of chili paste or hot sauce for some kick.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Beef with Pasta is one of those go-to comfort meals I never get tired of. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together with pantry staples. Whether I’m cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish always delivers a satisfying, delicious experience—every bite packed with creamy, garlicky goodness.