Go Back
Creamy Beef Pasta: Easy Ground Meat Dinner for Cozy Family Nights! Thumbnail

Cream Beef Pasta

Creamy Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal for busy nights when you want something cozy, filling, and crowd-pleasing. Tender pasta is tossed in a rich, cheesy cream sauce with perfectly seasoned ground beef, garlic, and onions for deep, savory flavor in every bite. This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for family dinners or weeknight meals when time is tight but cravings are strong. Easy to customize and loved by all ages, this creamy pasta delivers big comfort with simple ingredients. Serve it family-style and watch it disappear fast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • For the Pasta Dish
  • Pasta: Choose any pasta you love—penne fusilli, or rotini are great for holding onto sauce.
  • Lean Ground Beef: A lean cut keeps the sauce rich without turning greasy.
  • Cream: Heavy cream delivers that ultra-luxurious texture but half-and-half works if you prefer lighter meals.
  • Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic adds bold aromatic flavor.
  • Onion: Finely diced onion brings natural sweetness and depth; yellow onions are ideal.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated Parmesan melts smoothly and boosts savory richness.
  • Seasonings
  • Italian Herb Blend: Adds classic comforting flavor.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: Season gradually to bring everything together perfectly.

Method
 

1. Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until just tender with a slight bite. Before draining, scoop out about one cup of the cooking water and set it aside.

    2. Cook the Onion & Garlic

    Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

      3. Brown the Beef

      Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up as it cooks and let it brown completely. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for bold flavor.

        4. Make the Cream Sauce

        Reduce the heat and pour in the cream, stirring gently. Add small splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a silky consistency. Stir in the Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.

          5. Bring It All Together

          Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss gently so every piece is coated in that creamy, beefy sauce.

            6. Serve & Enjoy

            Spoon into bowls and finish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every cozy bite.

              Notes

              Extra Tips & Details

              • Want more flavor?  A pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika adds a subtle kick.
              • Need leftovers?  This dish reheats well with a splash of milk or cream.
              • Feeding a crowd?  Easily double the recipe for family gatherings.

              Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

              Can I use a different protein?
               Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well, though the flavor will be lighter.
              What’s the best pasta for creamy sauces?
               Short pasta with ridges—like penne or rigatoni—grabs the sauce best.
              Can I make this ahead of time?
               Absolutely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
              How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
               Add a bit of reserved pasta water or milk when reheating to loosen it up.

              Final Thoughts

              This creamy beef pasta is the definition of comfort food—simple ingredients, rich flavor, and zero fuss. It’s fast enough for busy weeknights, satisfying enough for family dinners, and flexible enough to make it your own. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. 🍝✨