There is something incredibly comforting about a rich, creamy pasta dish that comes together quickly on the stovetop, and this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta RecipeIngredients is the perfect example. It melds tender pasta with savory browned beef, a luscious tomato-cream sauce, and a hint of Italian seasoning to create a dinner that feels both indulgent and utterly satisfying. Whether you need a weeknight winner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients means you can whip it up from pantry staples, yet every bite tastes like you spent hours crafting it.

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta RecipeIngredients Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering that perfect creaminess, hearty flavor, and balanced taste. From the sweetness of fresh onion to the tang of Dijon mustard and the comforting richness of cream, every component counts.

1 lb ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base for the sauce, adding protein and depth.
¾ cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates a silky, luscious sauce that ties everything together.
14 oz canned diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds freshness and a slight acidity that brightens the dish.
8 oz uncooked pasta: The canvas for the sauce, choosing a sturdy shape helps cling the creamy sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing aromatics, bringing a subtle fruity undertone.
½ sweet yellow onion, chopped: Sweet and aromatic, forms the fragrant foundation when sautéed.
1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses an irresistible savory warmth throughout the dish.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness.
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that contributes an herby, aromatic note.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out flavors perfectly.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional): A salty, nutty finish when garnished on top.

How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta RecipeIngredients

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking pasta properly is the first step to success here—aim for al dente, meaning it should have a firm bite without being mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped sweet yellow onion and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until it softens and starts to become translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base filled with sweet and garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with aromatics and cook for around 8 minutes. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, carefully drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Now it’s time to infuse your skillet with flavor. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and thickens the sauce slightly, giving it a rich, vibrant base.

Step 5: Add the Cream

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. That creamy, dreamy texture begins here. Cook the sauce over medium heat for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, letting it thicken and become velvety smooth, enveloping all those hearty flavors together.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Once your sauce is ready, toss in the cooked pasta and stir until every strand or piece is luxuriously coated. Take a moment to season with salt and black pepper to your taste, elevating the dish to perfection. Now it’s ready to serve!

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve your Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta RecipeIngredients piping hot and optionally sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top for an irresistibly cheesy finish that adds depth and a touch of sophistication to this homey meal.

How to Serve Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta RecipeIngredients

Garnishes

Freshly grated parmesan cheese is an obvious winner, lending a salty, nutty layer of flavor. You can also add chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herbal brightness that contrasts the richness.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables, which provide a refreshing counterbalance. Garlic bread or crusty baguette is also fantastic, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in mini casserole dishes topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and broiled briefly for a golden crust. You might also add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top for extra creaminess or scatter some toasted pine nuts for added texture and a nutty flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place your creamy ground beef pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week without sacrificing any flavor.

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish longer, consider freezing it. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, avoid adding cheese on top, as it can become grainy after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking or separating, and you’ll have a meal that tastes just as delicious as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work great for holding the creamy sauce, feel free to experiment with fusilli, shells, or even spaghetti based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to reduce fat content, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. Just be sure to simmer gently to avoid curdling.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be sautéed with the onions or stirred in near the end for extra nutrition and flavor. This is a versatile recipe open to your favorite vegetable additions.

What’s the best way to brown the ground beef evenly?

Use a large skillet and avoid overcrowding it. Break the beef into small pieces and let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. This helps achieve that delicious caramelized crust which adds flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a crowd?

This recipe is great for making ahead—just cook everything up to the combining step and refrigerate separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently, toss with freshly cooked pasta, and serve immediately for best results.

Final Thoughts

Embracing the comforting goodness of this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta RecipeIngredients is like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious hug after a long day. It’s easy, satisfying, and holds a special place in my heart for those moments when you want something simple yet truly flavorful. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your go-to comfort meal as well!

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta RecipeIngredients Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

A rich and creamy stovetop ground beef pasta recipe combining tender pasta with a flavorful tomato and cream sauce, enhanced by aromatic onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and can be garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less creamy.
Use your favorite type of pasta; penne or rotini work well to hold the sauce.
Adjust seasoning according to taste; add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American