The perfect dish for a busy weeknight, this stovetop creamy ground beef pasta comes together in just 25 minutes using one pan and simple ingredients. With juicy ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheddar folded into tender pasta, it’s a meal that comforts with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish offers creamy satisfaction without the cleanup. Its rich, cheesy sauce makes every bite feel indulgent, while the savory beef and pasta make it filling and hearty. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for the ultimate cozy dinner experience.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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½ cup diced onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
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2 cups beef broth
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12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
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1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
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½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
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Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
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Season with salt and black pepper. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir to combine.
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Add uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Mix well. Cover and let simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
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Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4–6 servings
A Family-Favorite Classic with a Modern Twist
If you’re searching for a meal that checks all the boxes—quick, budget-friendly, hearty, and family-approved—this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is the one. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a solution for those nights when you want something satisfying without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone.
This dish takes the nostalgic flavors of homemade hamburger helper and elevates them with rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, melty cheddar or mozzarella, and just the right touch of cream to make every bite luscious. Prepared entirely in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the kind of recipe that’s both practical and indulgent.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
There are countless creamy pasta recipes out there, but this one offers a unique combination of ease, flavor, and versatility. Here’s why this stovetop creamy beef pasta deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
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One-pan magic: Say goodbye to juggling multiple pots and pans. This recipe comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
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Ready in under 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited, but you still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal.
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Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: The creamy texture and mild, cheesy flavor appeal to even the pickiest eaters.
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Budget-conscious: Made with pantry staples and affordable ingredients, it’s a great way to feed a family without breaking the bank.
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Adaptable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit dietary needs, preferences, or what you have on hand.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
The idea for this creamy pasta dish was born out of necessity. Like many home cooks, there were days when time was short, appetites were large, and the fridge was only half-stocked. Ground beef, pasta, and a few basic ingredients later—and voila! A warm, creamy, and satisfying dinner was on the table in no time.
The beauty of this dish is that it doesn’t require a trip to a specialty grocery store. Everything can be found in a typical kitchen or picked up quickly at any supermarket. And though it’s simple, the result tastes like something much more involved.
A Balanced Approach to Comfort Food
Creamy pasta often gets labeled as indulgent or heavy, and while this recipe is rich, it also offers nutritional benefits that make it feel like a more balanced option.
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Protein Power: Ground beef provides high-quality protein, helping support muscle growth and keeping you full longer.
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Complex Carbohydrates: Pasta is a great energy source, especially when paired with a protein like beef. For added nutrition, consider using whole wheat pasta.
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Lycopene and Antioxidants: Tomato sauce brings not only flavor but also antioxidants like lycopene, known for heart health benefits.
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Calcium and Healthy Fats: Cheese and cream provide calcium, crucial for strong bones and teeth, and contribute to a satisfying mouthfeel.
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Customizable Nutrition: You can lighten the dish by using milk instead of cream or lean ground turkey instead of beef.
Perfect for Beginners and Seasoned Cooks Alike
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. Even if you’re new to cooking or don’t consider yourself particularly skilled in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are forgiving, and there’s very little room for error. Just brown the beef, simmer the pasta, stir in cream and cheese—done!
For more experienced cooks, the recipe offers room for customization and experimentation. Want to add smoked paprika or Italian herbs? Go ahead. Craving a spicier kick? A few chili flakes will do the trick. Prefer a vegetarian option? Swap the beef for mushrooms or lentils. This recipe is a canvas.
Customization Ideas for Every Palate
Though the original version is delightful on its own, this dish is endlessly versatile. Here are some creative variations to keep things interesting:
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Add vegetables: Spinach, bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms can be added for color and nutrition.
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Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
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Change the pasta: Use rotini, penne, elbow macaroni, or even gluten-free pasta.
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Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a little heat.
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Boost the creaminess: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or ricotta for added richness.
These tweaks allow you to reinvent the dish without starting from scratch—perfect for those who love variety but don’t want to constantly learn new recipes.
Serving Suggestions to Complete the Meal
This creamy pasta can easily be the centerpiece of a well-rounded dinner. However, a few side dishes and drinks can enhance the experience and offer a more complete plate:
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Fresh green salad: A light arugula or Caesar salad offers freshness and contrast to the rich pasta.
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Garlic bread or knots: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and adding a crunchy element.
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Steamed or sautéed greens: Think broccoli, kale, or spinach for a fiber-packed side.
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Beverage pairings: Sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or a glass of red wine if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
This dish is ideal for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:
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Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It will last up to 2 months.
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Reheat: For best results, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Tips to Make It Even Better
Want to take this already-great recipe to the next level? These tips will help:
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Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can be convenient but doesn’t melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents.
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Let flavors develop: Simmering the beef with onion and garlic for an extra minute or two brings out deeper flavors.
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Choose pasta wisely: Short shapes like penne or rotini cling to the creamy sauce better than spaghetti.
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Finish with butter: A small pat of butter stirred in before serving adds luxurious richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! It stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for make-ahead meals.
Is there a dairy-free alternative?
You can substitute the cheese and cream with dairy-free versions like almond-based cream and vegan cheese shreds.
What kind of beef works best?
Use lean ground beef to reduce greasiness, or opt for ground sirloin for a premium flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your skillet is large enough, or use a Dutch oven to accommodate the extra volume.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes. The creamy texture and mild flavor make it a hit with kids. You can even sneak in some veggies.
Conclusion
This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta has everything going for it. It’s hearty, quick, budget-friendly, and customizable—basically the holy grail of weeknight dinners. Whether you’re feeding a family of six or cooking for one and planning leftovers, this recipe delivers flavor and comfort every single time.
Add it to your meal rotation, impress your loved ones, and maybe even start a new family tradition. One thing’s for sure—you’ll come back to this one again and again.