One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta is the best even if you are in a hurry or in search of delicious comfort food!

A very delicious dish containing pasta, ground beef , cream cheese and much more cooked all in one pot.

Ready in just 30 minutes and it is perfect for Wednesdays, when kids need to be fed, and Fridays when there’s no mood for cooking.

Less mess, more flavor – that is a perfect definition of comfort food that is easy enough for every weeknight. It is time to get started and share a dinner that you would like to repeat on a regular basis!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Quick and easy: Simple ingredients and fast cooking time.
One pot: Fewer dishes, more convenience.
Rich and comforting: Creamy sauce, hearty beef, tender pasta.
Family favorite: Kids and adults both love it!
Customizable: Modify your food ingredients according to the things available in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Creamy Beef Pasta

Here is a list of ingredients you’ll need in preparing this dreamy, creamy beef pasta:

1 lb (450g) ground beef – or substitute with turkey or sausage.
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 ½ cups beef broth – chicken broth works too.
1 cup heavy cream – (half-and-half) for a lighter version.
2 cups of short pasta – like penne, fusilli, or elbows.
1 ½ cups shredded cheese – cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper – to taste.
½ teaspoon paprika – optional, for extra flavor.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Ingredient Swap Ideas:

Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
I would like to add baby spinach or mushrooms into the sandwich as extra vegetables.
Make it dairy-free by replacing the heavy cream with coconut cream.

Essential Equipment

You don’t need any fancy tools, just:

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven for something roomy enough for all that sauce and pasta.
The wooden spoon or spatula will be needed to stir and break down the meat.
Measuring cups and spoons to ensure that everything is measured in equal proportion and to create proper tastes.

How to Make Creamy Beef Pasta (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. After that, you should add the ground beef and stir as it will cook with the spoon. It’s better to cook it until it reaches a very dark, caramelized color. This builds serious flavor!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

As soon as the beef has browned, move it to the sides of the pan and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook until it turns slightly brown or softer and gives a good aroma which takes 2-3 minutes max.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add in the tomato paste and all the seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika and Italian seasoning)and stir. Let the tomato paste for about a minute in order to allow it to brown enough and to develop its flavor.

Step 4: Add Broth, Cream, and Pasta

Add the heavy cream and beef broth into the pot. Stir the pan gently, scraping the bottom of the pan where some of the meat likely clumped during the cooking process. Mix the uncooked pasta within the broth and stir to mix.

Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Finally, let the mixture heat gently until it begins to bubble. Stir and continue the cooking over medium heat for further 12-15 min or until the pasta is soft and the sauce gets thicker.

Step 6: Stir in the Cheese

Once it is done, remove from heat and pour in the shredded cheese till it is completely melted and creamy.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Top with extra cheese, fresh parsley or with chili flakes for those who prefer their food spicy. Served hot and with cream well!

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Recipe Tips & Tricks

Brown the beef properly

In order to have the best taste, let it sear without the need to stir too often.

Stir while the pasta cooks

Reduces sticking on the bottom and allows the food to be cooked evenly.

Adjust the sauce as needed

Too thick sauce can be thinned by adding more broth or cream to the mixture.

Freshly grate your cheese

The cheese is normally bought preshredded hence does not melt properly.

Variations for Creamy Beef Pasta

Spicy: Heat a pinch of cayenne pepper or add a few squirts of hot sauce.
Veggie-Loaded: It is recommended to add a handful of spinach, peas, freshly chopped mushrooms or any other vegetables which take a lesser time for cooking in the last three or four minutes of cooking.
Different Meats: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or spicy Italian sausage.
Alternative Cheeses: You may choose smoked gouda, pepper jack or fontina for a variation in taste.

How to Store and Reheat

Storage: To store the leftovers, keep it in a well sealed container to fit in the refrigerator and should be consumed within 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat carefully in a saucepan over a low flame with a little more water, more broth or cream to moisten the sauce. We also cook in the microwave and can try to do it in short intervals, for example in 5 minutes intervals with intervals of mixing.
Freezing: It is better to freeze it, yet the cream sauce may split within the freezer and then you’ be able to assemble it once it thaws. If in a state of being frozen, apply heat and mix until it forms a solid mass again.

Facing Common Issues While Cooking

Sauce too thick?

During the reheating process, add more broth or cream to smooth up the sauce if it gets too thick.

Pasta undercooked?

Let it continue to boil for a while longer, adding more broth in a dash if necessary.

Sauce not creamy enough?

A little more cheese or some extra cream can be put to increase the creaminess.

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Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta and garlic pasta recipe delivers family-friendly tastes along with weekday convenience and cooking speed because it takes 30 minutes to prepare. Minimal cleanup, maximum comfort. Give the recipe a try tonight to see why it has become such a popular cooking choice.

Be sure to bookmark this recipe now and send it to other food enthusiasts.

FAQs About Creamy Beef Pasta

What is creamy pasta sauce made of?

Creamy pasta sauces are usually made of a mix of heavy cream or whipping cream with butter, and cheese (like Parmesan or cream cheese). To build flavor, the aromatics (garlic, onions) are generally sautéed in butter first and then the cream and cheese added. Other variations may include adding some tomato paste or broth as well as some seasonings to give the sauce a bit more depth and richness.

What cream to put in pasta?

The best cream to use for pasta is heavy cream also known as double cream or fresh cream. It has a high fat content 36-40% which gives a rich and creamy texture that surrounds well on pasta. For a lighter sauce, half-and-half, a combination of milk and cream containing about 10.5-18% milkfat may be used but the sauce will be less thick. Do not use low fat creams as they may curdle over high heat and won’t give you the desired creaminess.

What type of pasta is best for creamy pasta?

Some pasta shapes are preferred for creamy sauces. The classic choices are flat, broad noodles like fettuccine, because the surface area gives them something to hold onto the creamy sauce. Flat broad noodles such as egg noodles are often used for cream sauce. Short, ridged pastas like rotini, fusilli, and pasta shells are also good because their curves and grooves trap the sauce, so each bite will have flavor.

How to make creamy beef pasta?

To prepare creamy beef pasta, the first step to cook the pasta of your choice with water as per its recommended time and quantity. Boil the pasta at the same time and meanwhile fry chopped onions in the large pan until it turns soft and then put the minced beef, stirring it until it browns and then remove extra fat from the pan. Saute in minced garlic, stirring in basil and oregano, and seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Add more beef broth and let the mixture boil a little before you turn the heat down and then pour in the heavy cream. Add the grated cheese such as Parmesan or cheddar cheese and beat it until the sauce has a smooth and creamy consistency. Lastly, mix the pasta with the sauce, by placing it on the plate and tossing both evenly, then you should plate the dish and serve immediately, garnished with more cheese or herbs if necessary.