Want a cozy, filling dinner that’s super quick? Try this One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta. It’s loaded with tasty ground beef, soft pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that everyone in the family will enjoy. Best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes and cooks in one pot, so cleaning up is easy.
It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something yummy without much work. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a full meal that’ll make everyone happy.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make this awesome dish step by step, give you ideas to tweak it, and share nutrition info to help with meal planning. Okay, let’s get started.
See also: 20 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta
This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, it’s ideal for hectic evenings.
- One Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults adore the creamy, cheesy flavor.
- Versatile: Swap ingredients to suit your pantry or preferences.
- Nutritious: Balanced with protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy beef pasta for 4-6 servings:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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See also: Creamy Chicken Orzo
Kitchen Equipment/Appliances Needed
You don’t need a fancy kitchen to whip up this dish, but these tools make it easier:
- Large pot (5-6 quart capacity)
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Cutting board for chopping
- Chef’s knife for dicing onion and garlic
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- Can opener for the tomato sauce
- Grater for Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Grate the Parmesan cheese if it’s not pre-grated. Having everything ready makes the cooking process seamless.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Drain excess fat if desired.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes. The sauce will thicken as the pasta cooks.
Step 6: Add Creaminess
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Remove the pot from the heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
See also: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
- Control the Heat: Keep the pot at a gentle simmer to avoid overcooking the pasta or reducing the sauce too quickly.
- Customize the Spice: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick or omit them for a milder flavor.
- Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
- Store Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce.
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Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 3mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. For better cholesterol management, consider Lipid Control Plus to support heart health and liver function.
See also: Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable to suit different tastes or dietary needs:
- Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Pasta Swaps: Try gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta for dietary preferences.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when sautéing the onions.
- Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan for cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Cream Substitutes: Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
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Serving Suggestions
This creamy beef pasta is a meal on its own, but these sides elevate the experience:
- Garlic Bread: A crusty loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Green Salad: A simple salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes adds freshness.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli or green beans bring color and crunch.
- Wine Pairing: A light red like Pinot Noir complements the beefy flavors.
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Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to restore creaminess. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
See also: Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
FAQs About One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat with a bit of chicken broth to keep it creamy.
2. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently to avoid separating the sauce.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like fusilli or farfalle works. Adjust cooking time based on the package instructions.
4. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Add veggies like spinach for extra nutrients.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of Parmesan.
See also: Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta is perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty, filling meal without a lot of work. Its creamy sauce and yummy ground beef flavor make it a favorite for everyone. Plus, since it cooks in one pot, cleanup is super easy, so you can relax more after dinner.
If you want to enjoy this pasta and stay healthy, check out supplements like Fat Burn Active to help with weight loss or NuviaLab Sugar Control to keep your blood sugar steady. These can support a healthy lifestyle while you enjoy this delicious dish.
Try this recipe tonight and let me know how it turns out. Share your twists or favorite sides in the comments below. Happy cooking.
Looking for more quick and easy dinner recipes? Here are a few of my faves:
- Easy Cheeseburger Sliders
- Easy Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus
- Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Easy Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
