How This Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Became My Weeknight Hero
It’s no secret that I love one-pot meals, and this One Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta has become my ultimate dinner lifesaver. It started on a night when I wanted pasta but had zero energy for multiple pans or a pile of dishes. I grabbed a pound of ground beef, a box of pasta, and a few pantry staples, and within thirty minutes, I had a rich, creamy, cheesy pasta dish that tasted like something straight from a cozy café.
The sauce clings to every noodle, the beef adds hearty flavor, and the whole thing comes together with almost no effort. It’s everything I love about comfort food simple, satisfying, and made in a single pot.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
You’ll love this one pot pasta because it’s fast, creamy, and requires minimal cleanup. Everything cooks together in one pot the pasta, the beef, and the sauce so all the flavors meld beautifully.
It’s the perfect pasta with ground beef for nights when you want something cozy but easy. The beef gives it heartiness, the cream makes it silky, and the cheese ties it all together.
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One Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A rich and creamy one-pot pasta made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese. Easy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Ground beef, olive oil, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, beef broth, pasta, heavy cream, cheese, salt, pepper, parsley.
Instructions
Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Stir in seasoning, tomato sauce, and broth. Add uncooked pasta and simmer 12 minutes until tender. Stir in cream and cheese until melted. Garnish and serve warm.
Notes
Add veggies like spinach or peas, or make it spicy with red pepper flakes. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 15
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 25mg
When I’m in the mood for another quick, comforting dinner, my BBQ Chicken Flatbread is another go-to that hits all the same cozy notes.
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What You’ll Need in My Kitchen
Main Ingredients
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 3 cups beef broth
• 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
How I Bring It All Together
I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or deep pot over medium heat. I add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned and crumbly. Once the beef is cooked through, I stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for that comforting, savory base.
Then I pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. I add the uncooked pasta straight into the pot no need to boil it separately! I bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, I stir in the cream and cheese until it melts into a luscious, creamy sauce. The smell of garlic, tomatoes, and melted cheese fills the kitchen, and it’s impossible not to sneak a bite right from the spoon.
When I want something similar but with a bold BBQ twist, I make my Easy Oven Baked Chipotle BBQ Ribs they’re smoky, saucy, and always a hit.
My Favorite Twists for Every Mood
This ground beef pasta is endlessly versatile, and here are a few ways I love to change it up:
• Cheesy One Pot Pasta Bake: Sprinkle extra cheese on top and broil for 3 to 5 minutes for a baked version.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste for a kick.
• Creamier Twist: Use cream cheese instead of heavy cream for extra richness.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, peas, or bell peppers before the pasta finishes cooking.
• Kid-Friendly Style: Skip the Italian seasoning and use mild cheddar for a mac-and-cheese-inspired meal.
If you love quick and flavorful one-pot dishes, my One Pot Pizza Pasta is another fun and cheesy dinner option that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Before You Grab a Fork
This One Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is everything a weeknight meal should be easy, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have, and it comes together in less time than it takes to order takeout.
It’s one of those one pot pasta recipes I’ll never stop making because it delivers big comfort with little effort. Pair it with garlic bread or a quick green salad, and you’ve got a dinner that feels complete and cozy every time.
When I want to switch things up, I also love my Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins another quick favorite that’s full of flavor and perfect for weeknights.
