When your week is busy and you need something hearty and satisfying on the table fast, nothing beats this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta. With just one pan and under 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, comforting dinner that everyone will love.
Packed with savory beef, tender pasta, and a rich creamy sauce, this recipe is the ultimate in week day meals dinners. It’s also one of the best ground beef pasta recipes to keep in your rotation because it’s easy, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to make this dish step by step, plus helpful tips, serving ideas, and creative variations to suit your family’s tastes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
This creamy beef pasta is a keeper because:
- It’s made in one pan for minimal cleanup — perfect for one pan meals with ground beef.
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.
- Satisfies even the pickiest eaters with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Doubles as one of those reliable things to make with ground beef easy when you’re short on time.
- Can be adapted with different spices, veggies, or cheeses to keep it fresh and exciting.
If you’re looking for good recipes with ground beef that fit into your week day meals dinners, this one is a must-try!
Who Should Try This Recipe?
This stovetop creamy beef pasta is perfect for:
- Busy parents needing easy ground meat and pasta recipes.
- College students or young professionals looking for creamy beef recipes they can cook quickly.
- Hosts feeding a hungry group — it’s ideal for group beef recipes that don’t cost a fortune.
- Anyone who loves creamy comfort food made fast.
For another comforting dinner idea, you might also enjoy this easy chicken Alfredo pasta bake — another creamy, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Ground Meat and Pasta Recipes
- Large, deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients: From Creamy Beef Recipes to One Pan Meals With Ground Beef
Serves 4–6:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
- 8 oz dry pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
These pantry staples come together into one of the best ground beef pasta recipes you’ll ever make.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta at Home
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta in Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat. Slowly add beef broth and milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Stir in the dry pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
Step 3: Combine and Serve Your Creamy Beef Pasta
Once pasta is cooked, stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm!
Serving Ideas: Week Day Meals Dinners for the Family
This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is a complete meal on its own but pairs well with:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans.
For a party-friendly table, pair it with this crack corn dip or creamy marry me chickpeas for a variety of textures and flavors.
Creative Variations: Best Ground Beef Pasta Recipes to Try
- Mexican-inspired: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese.
- Mushroom & spinach: Stir in sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach for added nutrition.
- Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Lighter version: Use ground turkey and low-fat milk.
- Creamy beef stroganoff style: Replace cheddar with sour cream and add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
These tweaks keep your ground meat and pasta recipes exciting every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Creamy Beef Recipes
- Overcooking pasta — keep it al dente for the best texture.
- Not seasoning enough — taste as you go and adjust.
- Letting the sauce thicken too much — add a splash of milk if needed.
- Using low-quality cheese — it won’t melt as smoothly.
How to Store and Reheat This Hamburger Meat Recipes Pasta Dish
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little milk or broth to keep it creamy.
Best Occasions to Serve Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
This recipe is perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners when time is short.
- A cozy weekend family meal.
- Potlucks or casual get-togethers — a great group beef recipe.
- Meal prep — it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
Pro Tips for Success: Good Recipes With Ground Beef Every Time
- Brown the beef well for maximum flavor.
- Stir occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent sticking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest results.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
FAQs About Group Beef Recipes and Ground Meat and Pasta Recipes
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Yes — both work well, though the flavor will be slightly lighter.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, shells, or rotini are ideal.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — reheat gently and stir in a little extra liquid to keep it creamy.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely — kids love the creamy, cheesy sauce and mild flavors.
Final Thoughts: Why Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Should Be On Your Weekday Menu
This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is everything you need in a dinner — quick, budget-friendly, and satisfying. Perfect as part of your week day meals dinners, it’s also one of those things to make with ground beef easy that you’ll turn to again and again.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and subscribe for more creamy beef recipes, good recipes with ground beef, and easy one-pan meals!
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Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta : A Quick & Comforting Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is a cheesy, hearty, and family-friendly dinner made in just one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish features tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce that everyone will love. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta 1 lb (450g) ground beef 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups beef broth 1 cup milk 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon flour 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional) Salt and black pepper, to taste 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Optional: Baby spinach or diced bell peppers Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef Mozzarella or provolone cheese instead of cheddar
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta just shy of al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside. 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. 3. Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. 4. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture, stir, and cook for 1–2 minutes. 5. Gradually add beef broth, milk, and cream, stirring constantly. Add Italian seasoning and paprika, then simmer until slightly thickened. 6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency. 7. Taste and adjust seasoning, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
• Brown the beef well for rich flavor. • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting. • Cook pasta just shy of al dente so it doesn’t get mushy. • Adjust creaminess by adding more or less cream as preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: stovetop creamy ground beef pasta, ground beef pasta recipes, one pan meals with ground beef, hamburger meat recipes pasta, ground meat and pasta recipes, creamy beef recipes
