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Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
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A quick and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender pasta with a creamy, savory ground beef sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a hearty, flavorful dish with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)

Pasta

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or small shells

Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 2 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried oregano, basil, thyme blend)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasy sauce.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This builds the aromatic base for your sauce.
  3. Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the uncooked pasta and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, usually around 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and mix in heavy cream and shredded cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste.
  5. Finish and Serve: Once everything is well combined and warmed through, give the pasta a final stir and serve immediately for that comforting, creamy goodness.

Notes

  • Pre-measure all ingredients before starting to speed up the cooking process.
  • Monitor pasta during cooking to avoid overcooking; al dente texture is ideal.
  • Use full-fat dairy like heavy cream for a richer sauce.
  • Season the dish gradually and taste as you go to balance flavors.
  • Stir cream and cheese in on low heat to prevent curdling or separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/stovetop-creamy-ground-beef-pasta/