Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is a hearty, comforting one-pan meal that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. Tender pasta cooks right in a rich, creamy sauce with ground beef, making it a filling dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pasta because it’s simple, comforting, and doesn’t require a lot of cleanup. The ground beef adds a savory richness, while the creamy sauce makes it indulgent without being too heavy. I also like that it’s customizable—I can add veggies, swap cheeses, or adjust the seasonings to fit whatever I’m craving.

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef

• Onion, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Pasta (such as penne, rotini, or shells)

• Beef broth

• Heavy cream

• Tomato paste

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Olive oil or butter

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I start by heating oil or butter in a large skillet, then cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. I add onion and garlic, letting them soften and release their flavor.

Next, I stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. I add the pasta directly to the skillet, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. I let everything simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Finally, I stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It usually takes me 10 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to cook, so I can have dinner ready in around 35 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I like to add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables. I’ve also swapped ground beef for ground turkey or sausage when I want a slightly different flavor. For a cheesier version, I mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar along with the Parmesan.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I often use whatever pasta I have on hand, but short pasta shapes work best since they cook evenly and soak up the sauce.

Do I cook the pasta separately first?

No, I cook the pasta right in the sauce so it absorbs more flavor and keeps cleanup minimal.

Can I make this lighter?

Yes, I can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

What cheese works best?

I like Parmesan for flavor, but mozzarella, cheddar, or even cream cheese work well depending on the taste I want.

Can I freeze this dish?

I don’t recommend freezing since cream-based sauces can separate when thawed, but it keeps well in the fridge for a few days.

Conclusion

Stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s rich, flavorful, and comes together quickly in one pan. I like how versatile it is, and it always leaves me full and satisfied. Whether I make it for a quick family dinner or a cozy night in, it’s a dish I know will always hit the spot.