Creamy Ground Beef Pasta – Easy One-Pan Dinner

This creamy ground beef pasta is rich, cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a smooth, creamy sauce come together in one pan for an easy dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta, such as penne or rotini
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the beef:
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add the aromatics:
   Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
3. Season:
   Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat the beef.
4. Add the pasta:
   Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Add the uncooked pasta and stir everything together.
5. Cook:
   Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Make it cheesy:
   Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Serve:
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or milk.
• You can add mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
• For a little heat, add extra red pepper flakes.

Enjoy this creamy, cheesy one-pan ground beef pasta for an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner!