Delicious ground beef pasta dish served in a bowl with fresh herbs.

Ground Beef Pasta

BySavannah Brooks
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

So You’re Craving Something Tasty but Too Lazy to Spend Forever in the Kitchen, Huh? Same

Let’s be real for a minute. Life is busy, and sometimes you just need a cozy bowl of pasta that doesn’t require a culinary degree and hours in front of the stove. Enter ground beef pasta, the ultimate quick-fix meal that’s as easy as putting your feet up after a long day. Imagine a creamy, cheesy hug for your taste buds. Yup, that’s what we’re making today

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Why is this ground beef pasta recipe so great? Well, aside from the fact that it’s ridiculously delicious, it’s also incredibly idiot-proof. Seriously, if you can boil water, you can make this dish. Not only is it quick to whip up, but it also pairs beautifully with a glass of wine—a solid bonus for those cozy nights in. And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. Trust me, even I couldn’t mess it up, and I once mistook salt for sugar (yeah, the cookies didn’t turn out great).

So, let’s dive into why this recipe is the answer to all your weeknight dinner dilemmas!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, gather up your kitchen arsenal! Here’s what you need to make this gem:

  • 1 pound ground beef: Because what’s pasta without some juicy beef, am I right?
  • 8 ounces pasta (rotini or penne): You can use whatever floats your boat. I personally love rotini for its spiral-y goodness.
  • 1 cup heavy cream: This is the secret sauce to creamy, dreamy pasta.
  • 1 cup beef broth: Adds that extra flavor oomph. We’re not about bland life here.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Because cheese is life and should be in everything.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Get that flavor party started!
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Just like your mood, you can adjust it to your liking.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the beef and making everything taste fancy.
  • Chopped parsley for garnish: It’s totally optional, but makes you look like a pro.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s get cooking!

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to the water—it’s the chef’s secret.

  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Aim for that golden brown goodness—just keep stirring so it doesn’t burn.

  3. Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring it all to a simmer and let those flavors mingle. It’s like a party in your skillet and you’re the host.

  4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. This is where you’ll feel like a cooking ninja.

  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. It should look a little like pasta heaven at this point.

  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley. Your taste buds will thank you, and let’s be honest, parsley makes everything look fancy.

Ground Beef Pasta

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s talk about some rookie moves that could mess with your pasta perfection:

  • Not cooking the pasta properly: You want al dente, not mush. Follow those package instructions like your life depends on it—or at least your dinner plans do.
  • Overlooking seasoning: Not seasoning your beef or pasta will leave you with flavorless blah. No one wants that boring plate.
  • Using low-quality cheese: Why hurt your soul with fake cheese? Go for the good stuff. Life’s too short for bad cheese.
  • Skipping the simmering step: Trust me, simmering makes a difference. It’s where the magic happens!
  • Not having enough beef broth: A dry dish is a sad dish. Keep it creamy and dreamy, folks.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Life is all about choices, and so is cooking. Here are some fun alternatives or substitutions if you’re feeling adventurous:

  • Ground Turkey or Chicken: Want to make it a tad healthier? Swap out the beef for turkey or chicken. Still tasty and still quick!
  • Gluten-Free Pasta: If gluten isn’t your friend, use gluten-free pasta instead. It’ll work just as beautifully.
  • Heavy Cream: Don’t have heavy cream? You can use half-and-half, but your pasta won’t be quite as decadent.
  • Parmesan: Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are excellent substitutes if you’re feeling posh.
  • Italian Seasoning: If you’re out of Italian seasoning, throw in some oregano, basil, and thyme—just measure with your heart.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Let’s clear up any burning questions you might have about this delicious dish:

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Chicken, turkey, or even ground sausage can work. Honestly, get creative and follow your heart.

How long will leftovers last?
If you manage to have leftovers (good luck with that), they should be good in the fridge for about three to four days.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, indeed! Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-friendly container. It should keep for about two months in the freezer.

What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even just water in a pinch. But let’s be real, broth does add a lot of flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Totally! Swap out the beef for hearty veggies or even some mushrooms. Just don’t skip the cream and cheese; they’re key players here.

What if I want extra sauce?
More cream and broth will help you out! Just balance it with additional cheese for creaminess. No one’s judging if you want a swimming pool of sauce!

Can I serve this with something?
Go for a side salad or garlic bread. But honestly, this pasta is pretty filling on its own.

Ground Beef Pasta

Final Thoughts

There you have it, my friend! A comforting, creamy, and downright delicious ground beef pasta that’s quick enough for any weeknight. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Just remember to have fun, toss on some tunes, and enjoy the process. Pasta night is officially back on the menu. Happy cooking!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A cozy, creamy bowl of pasta featuring juicy ground beef and rich Parmesan, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in beef broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

Feel free to substitute the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a healthier option.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Avatar photo

Hi, I’m Savannah Brooks, 35 years old, born in Charleston, South Carolina, and now living in Seattle, Washington. My kitchen is small but full of life shelves stacked with spices from all over the world, a sourdough starter that feels like part of the family, and usually a pot bubbling away with something hearty and comforting.

Food has always been the center of my world. Growing up in Charleston, I was surrounded by Southern cooking shrimp and grits, okra stews, biscuits that could melt in your mouth. My grandmother was the first person who showed me that recipes are more than instructions they’re stories passed from one hand to another. I still keep her stained recipe cards in a box, though I’ve long since memorized every one.

My path wasn’t traditional. I studied journalism first, thinking I’d write stories for a living. And I do but now I write them on the plate. After years of working late nights in small cafés, catering weddings, and even running a food truck, I found my true rhythm in cooking that bridges my Southern roots with global inspiration. These days, you’ll find me folding lemongrass into chicken soup, adding harissa to cornbread batter, or topping fried green tomatoes with a touch of miso.

I don’t believe cooking is about perfection it’s about connection. My kitchen is a place for experiments, happy accidents, and plenty of laughter. I’ve burned cookies, curdled sauces, and dropped more than one cake. But every mistake taught me something, and every shared meal reminded me why I love this work.

I cook for people who want food that feels like home but isn’t afraid to wander a little. My hope is that when someone takes a bite of my food, they feel cared for, seen, and maybe a little inspired to try something new in their own kitchen.

So, welcome to my world where Southern comfort meets global curiosity, and every dish tells a story.

Other recipes

A bowl of flavorful Potsticker Soup with dumplings and vegetables

Potsticker Soup

BySavannah Brooks

Potsticker Soup Imagine walking through a cozy, warm kitchen, the aroma of delicious broth and savory spices filling the air. Potsticker soup is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience, bringing comfort and heartiness right to your table. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something satisfying, this dish fuses the beloved flavors…

A bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup, rich in flavors and health benefits.

Italian Penicillin Soup

ByELENE

Italian Penicillin Soup: A Heartwarming Classic When the chill of winter settles in or when you’re feeling under the weather, comfort food becomes essential. One dish that warms the heart and soothes the soul is Italian Penicillin Soup. This delightful concoction, bursting with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, is not just a meal; it’s a…