Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This creamy ground beef pasta is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce, it’s simple to make and sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or tomato based pasta sauce)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half)
- 12 ounces rigatoni (rotini, penne, or other medium pasta)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Step 3: Add the marinara sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to become creamy and rich.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta well without rinsing.
- Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Simmer together for 2 minutes to thicken.
- Step 7: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Substitute half and half for heavy cream to reduce richness while keeping creaminess.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or chopped mushrooms during step 3 for extra veggies.
- Use your favorite short pasta shapes like penne or rotini if rigatoni is not available.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes along with the herbs.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Adjust cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked and browned.
Is it okay to freeze this pasta dish?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Print
Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy ground beef pasta recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal combining tender rigatoni with a rich, herb-infused tomato and cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it features browned ground beef simmered with classic Italian seasonings and finished with heavy cream for a luscious texture.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or tomato-based pasta sauce)
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half)
Pasta
- 12 ounces rigatoni (rotini, penne or other medium pasta)
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef and finely diced yellow onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish lean.
- Add herbs and garlic powder: Stir in dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat and onions.
- Simmer with sauces and broth: Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, and tomato paste. Add salt and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Then stir in the heavy whipping cream and allow the sauce to simmer an additional 5 minutes until creamy and well-blended.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, prepare the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Do not rinse the pasta to retain its starches, which help thicken the sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy meat sauce. Toss well to coat all the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency. Let it simmer together for about 2 minutes to meld flavors and thicken further.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve hot for a satisfying and creamy pasta dish.
Notes
- You can substitute half and half for heavy cream to reduce fat content, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Reserve pasta water is a great trick to help the sauce cling to pasta perfectly and adjust thickness.
- For a spicier version, add red chili flakes when cooking the herbs.
- Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the sauce a few minutes longer to reduce further.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy ground beef pasta, rigatoni, creamy pasta sauce, Italian pasta, easy dinner, weeknight pasta
