Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This easy ground beef pasta recipe brings together the comforting flavors of creamy, cheesy sauce with tender pasta and savory ground beef. It is an Italian-inspired, family-friendly meal that comes together quickly in one skillet (plus a pot for pasta). Get ready for a delicious, satisfying dish that everyone will love, perfect for busy evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Pasta Recipe
You’ll adore this creamy beef pasta recipe for so many reasons, making it a staple in your kitchen:
Fast and Simple: This meal is ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights when time is precious.
Crowd-Pleaser: Classic flavors ensure this creamy beef pasta is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s a true family favorite.
Rich and Satisfying: Indulge in a decadent, cheesy sauce that coats every strand of pasta and bite of beef, offering pure comfort.
Versatile: Easily customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or different cheeses to suit any preference.
Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples and affordable ingredients, it is kind to your wallet.
Ingredients for This Delicious Beef Pasta
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this comforting beef pasta recipe. You likely have many of these on hand already! This dish focuses on simple, flavorful components to create a rich and satisfying meal.
1 ½ lbs. Lean Ground Beef (85% lean): Provides the hearty base.
1 Small Yellow Onion (diced): Adds aromatic sweetness.
3 Cloves Garlic (minced): For a fragrant, classic flavor.
2 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning: A blend of savory herbs.
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
3 Tablespoons Flour (optional): Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth.
16 oz Tomato Sauce: The bright, tangy foundation of the sauce.
1 Cup Chicken Broth: Thins the sauce and adds richness.
½ Cup Half and Half: Creates the creamy texture.
1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For that irresistible cheesy goodness.
½ Pound Rotini Pasta: Its spirals perfectly catch the sauce.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this creamy ground beef pasta to fit your preferences or what you have on hand:
Ground Beef: Use leaner ground beef (90/10) or swap for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
Pasta: Feel free to use other short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, cavatappi, or classic elbow macaroni.
Dairy: For different creaminess, use whole milk (less rich), heavy cream (more decadent), or a dollop of Greek yogurt for tang and a healthier twist.
Broth: Beef broth is a great alternative to chicken broth, intensifying the beefy flavor.
Cheese: Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella can be used instead of cheddar.
Optional Additions: Boost the nutrition and flavor with diced tomatoes, frozen peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers, or fresh spinach stirred in at the end.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes cooking this creamy ground beef pasta even easier. You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe:
Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Perfect for browning the beef and building the sauce.
Large Pot: For cooking your pasta to al dente perfection.
Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: Essential for stirring and breaking up the beef.
Cheese Grater: If you’re shredding block cheese for superior melt.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
How to Make Your Creamy Beef Pasta (Step-by-Step Instructions)
This creamy ground beef pasta comes together effortlessly with these simple steps. Follow along for a delicious meal!
Prepare Ingredients: Shred your cheddar cheese and set it aside. Also, pour the half and half into a small bowl and let it come to room temperature. This prevents the dairy from curdling when added to the hot sauce later.
Brown Beef & Onion: Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and begin to break it apart. Halfway through cooking the beef, add the diced yellow onion to the pan. Cook until the beef is fully browned and crumbled, and the onions are softened, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain Fat: Carefully drain any excess grease from the pan. This step is crucial for a cleaner, less greasy sauce. Return the skillet to the heat.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic.
Season & Thicken: Sprinkle the salt, Worcestershire sauce, and flour (if using) over the beef mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the flour coats everything. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to cook out the raw flour taste.
Deglaze & Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits add incredible flavor to your ground beef pasta sauce. Add the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for your pasta. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions, usually about 7-10 minutes, until al dente.
Whisk in Dairy: Slowly add the room temperature half and half into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously as you pour. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
Melt Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine & Serve: Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly. Add the hot pasta directly to the creamy beef sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Serve your delicious creamy beef pasta immediately, perhaps with some cheesy garlic bread. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Pasta
Achieving the perfect creamy ground beef pasta is easy with these helpful tips. Avoid common pitfalls and elevate your dish!
Room Temperature Dairy: Always bring half and half or other dairy to room temperature before adding it to a hot sauce. This prevents shocking the dairy and causing it to curdle, ensuring a silky-smooth sauce. Understanding the science behind cooking can help you avoid common kitchen mishaps. Learn more about the science of preventing dairy from curdling.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Block cheese melts more smoothly and has a better flavor than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. For optimal melt and flavor in your dishes, consider how different cheese preparations impact the final result. Discover the benefits of shredding your own cheese.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the beef, use a large enough skillet. Overcrowding can steam the meat instead of browning it, reducing flavor.
Deglaze Thoroughly: Scraping up all the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan after adding broth is essential. This step unlocks deep, savory flavors for your ground beef pasta.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed to suit your palate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding Cold Dairy/Cheese Directly to Hot Sauce: This is the quickest way to end up with a clumpy or curdled sauce.
Not Draining Excess Fat: Leaving too much grease from the ground beef can make the finished dish oily and heavy.
Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy noodles detract from the dish. Cook the pasta only until al dente, as it will continue to absorb some sauce.
Serving, Storage & Recipe Variations
This versatile beef pasta recipe is perfect for family dinners and equally delicious for leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread with Cheese: A classic pairing, perfect for soaking up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Fresh Toppings: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store any leftover creamy ground beef pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently.
Recipe Variations
Vegetable Boost: Stir in a cup of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking, or add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or frozen peas with the tomato sauce.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give your ground beef pasta a pleasant heat.
Meat Swap: Experiment with ground turkey, ground chicken, or mild Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Different Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for variety.
Beef Pasta Nutrition Facts
Understanding the nutritional aspects of this homemade beef pasta recipe can help you make informed dietary choices.
Disclaimer: Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. It can vary based on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and exact portion sizes.
Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 40g |
| Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 100mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 7g |
This ground beef pasta dish offers a significant amount of protein from the lean ground beef and cheddar cheese, contributing to a satisfying and energy-providing meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making this delightful beef pasta recipe:
What kind of ground beef is best? Lean ground beef (85-90%) works best as it provides flavor without too much excess grease.
Can I make this a one-pot dish? While possible by cooking pasta directly in the sauce, you may need more liquid and careful monitoring to avoid mushy noodles. It’s easier to cook them separately.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? Always use room temperature dairy and add it slowly, stirring constantly, to a sauce that is simmering, not boiling.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can be sautéed with the onions, or stir in frozen peas or spinach at the end.
Is this ground beef pasta recipe freezer-friendly? Yes, it freezes well! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What are good side dishes to serve? Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or steamed green beans all pair wonderfully with this rich pasta dish.
Conclusion
This easy ground beef pasta recipe is the epitome of comfort food, designed to simplify your weeknights without compromising on flavor. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, hearty beef, and tender pasta, it’s a meal that promises warmth and satisfaction. We hope this family-friendly dish becomes a cherished addition to your recipe rotation. Give it a try tonight – you’ll be amazed at how quickly such a delicious meal comes together! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your comments below. Enjoy every comforting bite!