Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

There’s something so comforting about a pot of creamy pasta simmering on the stove, isn’t there? The kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and promises a meal that hugs you from the inside out. This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is exactly that—simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe I turn to on busy weeknights when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. And trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser—my little ones always ask for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather everything we need. Here’s what makes this dish so delicious:

• 1 lb ground beef – I like using 85% lean for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
• 8 oz pasta – Penne or rotini work beautifully, but any short pasta will do.
• 1 small onion, diced – The sweet base of our sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything’s better with garlic.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A little herbaceous magic.
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce – For that rich, tangy depth.
• 1 cup heavy cream – The secret to that luscious, velvety texture.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Plus extra for serving, because why not?
• Salt and pepper to taste – To bring it all together.

Let’s Get Cooking

Now, let’s walk through the steps to make this cozy dish come to life:

1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside—but save a little pasta water just in case we need to thin the sauce later.
2. Brown the beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, but leave a little for flavor.
3. Sauté the aromatics. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, letting the fragrance bloom for just 30 seconds—don’t let the garlic burn!
4. Simmer the sauce. Pour in the tomato sauce and let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Then, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Bring it all together. Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy beef sauce, stirring until every noodle is coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

And just like that, dinner is served! But before you dig in, let me share a few extra tips to make this dish even more special.

This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is the kind of meal that wraps you in comfort from the first bite. Rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s a weeknight hero that comes together in under 30 minutes. But let’s take it a step further with some pro tips and variations to make it your own.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Swap the protein: Ground turkey or Italian sausage work beautifully if you want to switch things up.
• Make it veggie-packed: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.
• Creaminess control: If you prefer a lighter sauce, swap half the heavy cream for chicken broth.
• Cheese lovers: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar or smoked gouda at the end adds a delicious twist.
• Pasta alternatives: Penne, rigatoni, or even egg noodles work well—just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What to Serve With It

This dish is satisfying on its own, but a few simple sides can round out the meal:

• A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette for soaking up the sauce
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
• A light, citrusy dessert like lemon bars to balance the richness

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftovers? No problem! This pasta keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro:

• Storage: Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. A splash of milk or broth when reheating helps revive the creamy texture.
• Reheating: Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or water.
• Freezing: While you can freeze it, the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Stir well while reheating to bring it back together.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works great—just season well to keep the flavor robust.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be slightly lighter.

How can I make this gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (or omit it).

Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes! A splash of red or white wine deglazed with the onions and beef adds wonderful depth.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a creamy, comforting pasta dish that comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend at home, this stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is sure to become a staple in your rotation. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to your taste—after all, the best recipes are the ones made with love (and maybe an extra sprinkle of cheese). Happy cooking!