Name: Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: A One-Pot Weeknight Hero
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) ground beef; 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells); 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

There’s something magical about a creamy pasta dish that doesn’t just fill your belly but warms your soul. That’s exactly what this stovetop creamy ground beef pasta does. It’s the kind of meal you turn to when time is short, hunger is high, and you need something dependable—something indulgent and delicious that satisfies everyone at the table.

I came up with this dish on one of those chaotic evenings when the fridge was almost empty, but I had the basics: pasta, ground beef, cream, and cheese. I threw everything into one pot and crossed my fingers. By the time the sauce thickened and the cheese melted into that perfect, velvety texture, the kitchen smelled like comfort. My family devoured every bite. From that moment, this stovetop creamy ground beef pasta became a weeknight staple—and I promise, once you try it, it’ll become one of yours too.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Serving Size: 4–6 servings
Total Calories: Approx. 400–450 per serving
Cuisine: American comfort food
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef Pasta

Fast and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, start to finish.
One Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Versatile and Flexible: Easy to customize with whatever you’ve got in your kitchen.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, inexpensive pantry staples.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this stovetop creamy ground beef pasta checks all the boxes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound (450g) ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

Ground Beef: Adds richness and hearty texture. Choose lean if you want to reduce grease.
Onion and Garlic: The aromatic base that gives depth and warmth.
Beef Broth: Infuses savory flavor throughout the dish.
Heavy Cream: The key to a luscious, velvety sauce.
Pasta: Choose shapes like shells, penne, or rotini to catch every bit of sauce.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar or mozzarella melts smoothly and adds indulgent creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Add diced onion and garlic to the browned beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant, stirring frequently.

3. Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta

Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and drained diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Stir in the uncooked pasta. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken, and the pasta will become tender.

4. Add the Cheese

Once the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the shredded cheese. Mix until melted and evenly distributed.

5. Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve hot.

This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but it also makes delicious leftovers!

How to Serve It

With Garlic Bread: Ideal for scooping up creamy sauce.
Alongside a Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad.
Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make great sides.
Stand-Alone Meal: Hearty enough to serve on its own.

You can also portion this pasta into individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day.

Pro Tips for Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Success

Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor.
Don’t skip the simmer. Letting the sauce reduce slightly intensifies the flavor.
Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Customize with vegetables. Stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking.
Spice it up. Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Flavorful Variations to Try

Bacon Cheeseburger Style: Stir in crumbled bacon and a touch of ketchup and mustard.
Taco Pasta: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning and top with avocado and sour cream.
Mushroom & Thyme: Add sautéed mushrooms and fresh thyme for a richer, earthy flavor.
Southwest Style: Mix in corn, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
Turkey Version: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version.
Cheesy Alfredo Fusion: Use Alfredo sauce in place of cream and add extra garlic.
Spinach Artichoke Pasta: Stir in spinach and chopped artichoke hearts with mozzarella.
Roasted Red Pepper: Add pureed roasted red peppers to the sauce for a smoky twist.
Zesty Lemon Herb: Finish with lemon zest and a splash of juice to brighten up the cream.
Buffalo Kick: Add a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce for tang and heat.

Freezing and Storage Tips

Cool Before Storing: Let the dish cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
Airtight Containers: Store in sealed containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze portions in heavy-duty bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat Gently: Warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Avoid Re-Freezing: Only freeze once to maintain texture and flavor.

For best results, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Helpful Tools You Might Need

Large Skillet or Dutch Oven – The perfect vessel for one-pot cooking.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – For sautéing and stirring.
Box Grater – For shredding cheese fresh from the block.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – To keep ingredient amounts just right.
Lid for the Pot – Essential for simmering pasta evenly.

Common Questions Answered

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes. For a slightly lighter dish, use whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to maintain thickness.

Which pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, shells, or fusilli work great because they hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this ahead?
Definitely. Prepare it up to a day in advance and reheat with a splash of broth or cream.

What other meats can I use?
Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat.

Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, peas, or mushrooms work wonderfully.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking or becoming mushy?
Stir occasionally and don’t overcook. Start checking at the 12-minute mark.

Final Thoughts

Stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is more than a recipe—it’s a lifesaver for busy nights, a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, and a comfort dish you’ll crave again and again. It brings together the best of both worlds: bold savory flavors and the rich, creamy texture of a decadent sauce, all made effortlessly in one pot.

Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or prepping meals for the week, this stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is the answer. Serve it with your favorite sides or enjoy it solo—it shines either way.

Give it a try tonight and discover why this recipe has earned a permanent spot on so many dinner tables.