Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Featured in Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love.

Turn basic pasta into a creamy, meaty dinner in just half an hour. While your pasta cooks, make a quick sauce with ground beef, garlic, and your favorite marinara. To elevate the dish, stir in some cream at the end—it turns the sauce rich and silky. Toss the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and let it simmer for a minute to absorb all those delicious flavors. Finish with fresh herbs and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. It tastes like it simmered all day, yet comes together in no time for a satisfying meal.
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Updated on Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:49:10 GMT
A bowl of rigatoni pasta topped with ground beef and diced tomatoes, garnished with parsley, sits on a striped kitchen towel, with a skillet in the background. Pin it
A bowl of rigatoni pasta topped with ground beef and diced tomatoes, garnished with parsley, sits on a striped kitchen towel, with a skillet in the background. | cookingkeys.com

This refined interpretation of classic comfort pasta emerged through careful development of sauce techniques combined with proper protein preparation. Initial experimentation focused on achieving optimal balance between dairy elements and savory beef, while maintaining proper sauce consistency. Multiple iterations refined the methodology, particularly regarding sauce development and pasta integration. The distinctive combination of tomato elements and enhanced cream creates exceptional depth while preserving traditional comfort aspects.

Why This Pasta Stands Apart

This creation achieves distinction through its precise balance of premium ingredients and sophisticated sauce development. The careful preparation of ground beef ensures proper flavor development, while selected pasta variety provides optimal sauce adherence. Each component serves specific purpose in flavor enhancement - from the initial protein preparation to the final sauce emulsion. Temperature control during preparation ensures proper sauce consistency while maintaining pasta integrity. The incorporation technique creates superior texture development while preserving proper moisture content.

Essential Components

  • Primary Elements:
    • premium ground beef, selected for optimal fat content
    • pasta variety chosen for proper sauce retention
    • extra virgin olive oil for proper heat conduction
    • selected aromatics for flavor foundation
    • concentrated tomato paste for depth development
    • premium heavy cream for proper sauce formation
    • balanced seasoning blend for flavor enhancement
  • Equipment Requirements:
    • heavy-gauge cooking vessel
    • proper temperature monitoring devices
    • calibrated measuring implements
    • appropriate stirring tools

Creation Process

Initial Preparation
Begin with proper pasta cooking technique ensuring optimal texture. Execute protein cooking with attention to proper browning. Develop aromatic base with specific methodology.
Sauce Development
Incorporate tomato elements with proper technique. Create cream integration with attention to temperature control. Monitor sauce consistency throughout process.
Final Integration
Combine elements systematically ensuring proper incorporation. Execute final adjustments with attention to seasoning and consistency.
A skillet filled with pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce, garnished with herbs, is shown alongside a bowl of shredded cheese. Pin it
A skillet filled with pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce, garnished with herbs, is shown alongside a bowl of shredded cheese. | cookingkeys.com

Technical Insights

Temperature control proves essential throughout preparation process. Understanding pasta cooking techniques significantly impacts final texture. Proper protein cooking methods affect flavor development considerably. Monitoring heat levels during sauce preparation prevents separation. Each component requires careful attention to maintain proper balance while ensuring optimal flavor development. Timing sequence creates significant impact on final presentation.

Variations and Adaptations

This foundational recipe accepts numerous sophisticated adaptations while maintaining core methodology. Various protein selections create intriguing flavor profiles. Alternative pasta varieties allow for fascinating texture variations. Different sauce components provide opportunities for complexity development. Each adaptation requires specific adjustments to maintain proper consistency and flavor integrity.

A close-up view of creamy pasta with ground meat and herbs served in a bowl. Pin it
A close-up view of creamy pasta with ground meat and herbs served in a bowl. | cookingkeys.com

Service Considerations

Professional presentation elevates this preparation to sophisticated status. Temperature consideration during service impacts texture significantly. Understanding proper portioning enhances guest experience. Creating balanced accompaniments maintains professional appearance while ensuring proper meal composition. Storage protocols between service periods significantly impact quality maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why add Dijon mustard?

Dijon adds subtle tang and depth to the sauce without tasting mustardy. It helps balance the rich cream and tomatoes.

→ Should I drain the tomatoes?

No, keep the liquid from the canned tomatoes. It adds flavor and helps create the right sauce consistency.

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?

Any medium pasta shape works well. Choose shapes that hold sauce like penne, rotini, or shells.

→ Why cook onions before beef?

Sautéing onions first develops sweetness and flavor. They also cook better in oil than with the beef.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Best served fresh, but leftovers keep well for 2-3 days. Reheat gently as cream sauce can separate if too hot.

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

A hearty pasta dish combining ground beef in a rich tomato cream sauce with Italian seasonings and a hint of Dijon mustard for depth.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 lb ground beef.
02 3/4 cup heavy cream.
03 14 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained.
04 8 oz uncooked pasta.
05 1 tablespoon olive oil.
06 1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped.
07 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic.
08 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
09 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
10 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
11 Salt and pepper to taste.
12 Grated parmesan for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente according to package.

Step 02

Heat oil in large skillet, cook onion 4-5 minutes until soft.

Step 03

Add beef and garlic, cook 8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 04

Add tomatoes, paste, mustard and seasonings. Simmer 4-5 minutes.

Step 05

Stir in cream, cook 3-5 minutes until thickened.

Step 06

Toss with pasta, season with salt and pepper, top with parmesan.

Notes

  1. Don't drain tomatoes.
  2. Can use any pasta shape.
  3. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven.
  • Pasta pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 22 g