Quick & Creamy Ground Beef Pasta – One Pot Weeknight Favorite

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready for a cozy, comforting dinner that brings everyone to the table?

There’s something deeply satisfying about a one-pot pasta dish simmering gently on the stove, filling the kitchen with warm, familiar aromas. This Quick & Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is the kind of recipe that busy home cooks treasure—simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a result that feels far more indulgent than the effort it takes. Rooted in everyday family cooking traditions, this dish reflects the timeless idea that good food doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable.

In many homes, ground beef pasta has long been a dependable weeknight staple. It stretches ingredients to feed the whole family, welcomes variations depending on what’s on hand, and always delivers comfort. The creaminess of the sauce, balanced with savory beef and tender pasta, creates a harmony of flavors that both children and adults love. Best of all, it all comes together in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal.

Whether you’re cooking after a long workday, preparing a casual dinner for loved ones, or simply craving something warm and filling, this recipe fits beautifully into everyday life. Let’s slow down for a moment, cook with intention, and enjoy a dish that feels like home. 🍝❤️

Ingredients 🛒

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work well)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Seasonings & Finishing Touches

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions 👩‍🍳

1. Warm the pot
   Place a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm gently.
2. Brown the beef
   Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add aromatics
   Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Season the base
   Sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well so the beef is evenly coated with flavor.
5. Build the sauce
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir gently, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits.
6. Add the pasta
   Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Stir to ensure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
7. Simmer gently
   Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
8. Make it creamy
   Once the pasta is cooked, pour in the heavy cream and stir slowly. The sauce will begin to thicken beautifully.
9. Add the cheese
   Sprinkle in the shredded cheese, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
10. Finish and serve
    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting bite.

Nutritional Information 🥗

This dish is designed to be hearty and satisfying, providing a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats—perfect for an energy-boosting evening meal.

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~520
🍽️ Servings: 4

Approximate Nutrition per Serving

• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 3g

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️