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This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a comforting dish that brings the whole family together. It’s creamy, cheesy, and delicious, making dinner a breeze!
Seriously, who can resist a big bowl of pasta that’s so easy to make? I like to sneak in some veggies to feel a bit healthier—shhh, don’t tell the kids! 😄
I love how quickly this comes together. Just brown the beef, stir in the pasta, and let the creamy goodness happen. It’s perfect for busy nights when you crave something tasty!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and fat. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or ground chicken works well too! For a meat-free meal, try using lentils or a mix of veggies to add texture.
Pasta: Rotini is great because its shape holds the sauce well. However, feel free to swap it out for any pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just remember to adjust the cooking times accordingly!
Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes brings a nice acidity to the dish. You can substitute it with fresh diced tomatoes or even fire-roasted ones for a smoky twist. If you prefer a smoother texture, use crushed tomatoes instead.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter or dairy-free option. Just know that the sauce might be less creamy.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses to mix things up. For a little kick, pepper jack cheese is a fun choice!
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the pasta perfectly is key to this dish! Here’s how to ensure it turns out great:
- After adding the pasta to the boiling mixture, stir it well to prevent sticking.
- Cover the pot to keep the heat in, but check occasionally to avoid overcooking. The simmering will help the pasta absorb some of the sauce!
- Start checking for doneness a minute or two before the package instructions say to. You want it to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite.
Once the pasta is done, give it a good stir before adding the cream and cheese for an even, creamy consistency!
Delicious Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
What You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious creamy ground beef pasta comes together in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes getting everything chopped and sautéed, and then just let it simmer away while your pasta cooks to perfection. Quick and oh-so-delicious!
Instructions:
First things first! Grab a large pot or a deep skillet and heat up those 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and shimmery, toss in the diced onion and sauté it until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This is where the yummy flavors start!
When your kitchen is filled with the aroma of onions, add the minced garlic. Cook for an extra minute just until it becomes fragrant. Oh boy, this is going to be a winner!
Now, it’s time to turn up the heat a bit! Increase your stovetop to medium-high and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks and browns—this should take about 5-7 minutes. If you have any excess fat in the pan, feel free to drain it. Nobody wants a greasy pasta, right?
Next, stir in that delightful Italian seasoning and sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. It’s all about adding those layers of flavor!
Now, pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the beef broth. Bring everything up to a nice boil. This is where the magic happens!
Once you’ve got it boiling, toss in your rotini pasta, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. You’ll want to stir occasionally while it cooks until the pasta is al dente, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it—it’s getting close!
When your pasta is perfectly cooked, it’s time for the grand finale! Stir in the heavy cream and the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and rich. Yum!
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving. It’ll not only add some color but also a fresh kick!
Serve up this creamy ground beef pasta warm, and enjoy every spoonful of this cozy comfort food. Your family is going to love it!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful that turkey might require a touch more seasoning, so taste and adjust as needed throughout the cooking process.
What Pasta Shapes Work Best for This Recipe?
While rotini is a fantastic choice, you can use any pasta shape you like! Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti would work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape selected to ensure it’s cooked al dente.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you find the pasta absorbs too much sauce upon reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy consistency!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare everything up to adding the cheese and cream, cool it down, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat on the stove and then stir in the cream and cheese for that fresh, creamy finish.
