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Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Quick and Simple Recipe

by on November 11, 2024

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Are you craving a warm and comforting meal? My Creamy Ground Beef Pasta recipe is quick, simple, and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients like ground beef, heavy cream, and your favorite pasta, you can whip up a dish that will please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that can make your weeknight dinners a breeze!

Here’s what you need for creamy ground beef pasta: - 300g ground beef - 250g pasta (penne or fusilli work well) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup beef broth - 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) Gathering these ingredients sets you up for success. Ground beef gives a rich flavor. The pasta type can change the dish’s texture, so choose what you like best. Heavy cream adds that luscious creaminess we crave. Onion and garlic bring a fragrant base. Beef broth deepens the savory taste. Spinach adds nutrition and color. Parmesan cheese enriches the sauce with its salty bite. Olive oil helps sauté the veggies. Seasonings tie it all together. Don’t forget salt and pepper for flavor! Lastly, fresh basil brightens each bite if you choose to use it. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook pasta al dente, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it, so it stays firm. When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Do not forget to save about ½ cup of the pasta water for later! In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it until it becomes soft and clear, around 3-4 minutes. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir for another minute. This will make your kitchen smell great! Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add 300g of ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until it turns brown and is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Now, add 1 cup of spinach. If you use fresh spinach, let it wilt. If using frozen, just heat it through. Finally, mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired thickness. Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta well in the creamy sauce to coat it evenly. Taste the dish and adjust the flavors. You can add more salt or pepper if needed. To serve, plate the creamy ground beef pasta in bowls. For a nice touch, top with fresh basil leaves if you want. It adds flavor and looks beautiful! Enjoy your meal right away. To avoid curdling cream, keep the heat low after adding it. High heat can cause the cream to separate. Stir well to mix it in smoothly. If your sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. This water has starch that helps thin the sauce without losing flavor. For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs. Fresh parsley or thyme can brighten the dish. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, use Pecorino Romano or even a bit of cream cheese for a different twist. These can add a rich taste to your pasta. When browning the meat, make sure your skillet is hot. This helps lock in the juices. Stir the beef only a few times to get a nice brown color. Using reserved pasta water is key. It helps to bind the sauce and pasta together, making every bite deliciously creamy. Pro Tips Quality Meat: For the best flavor, choose high-quality ground beef, preferably with some fat content for a richer sauce. Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce, absorbing flavors. Fresh Spinach: If using fresh spinach, add it towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients. Leftover Sauce: This dish stores well; make extra sauce and refrigerate for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stove. {{image_2}} You can add many vegetables to your creamy ground beef pasta. Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These veggies add flavor and nutrients. If you want to use frozen spinach instead of fresh, it is easy. Just thaw it and squeeze out the extra water. Then, mix it into the sauce. This keeps your dish creamy and delicious! If you want to switch the meat, ground turkey or chicken works great. They are leaner options and still taste good. For a vegetarian choice, use lentils or mushrooms. They will give you a nice texture and soak up the creamy sauce well. You can change the sauce by adding cream cheese. This adds a rich flavor and thickness. You can also try different cheeses. Mozzarella or Gouda can give your dish a fun twist. Just melt them into the sauce for a creamy goodness. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combination! To store leftovers, cool the creamy ground beef pasta first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure to label the container with the date. For freezing, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or cream if it seems dry. In the fridge, the dish lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, expect it to last for up to 3 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. To make this dish dairy-free, you can swap out the heavy cream and cheese. Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich texture. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. These options keep the dish creamy and tasty, without dairy. Yes, you can prepare creamy ground beef pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce and mix it with the pasta. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. This dish goes great with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. A green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread offers a crispy contrast that complements the creaminess. You can also serve steamed veggies to add color and nutrition. Creamy ground beef pasta is a simple and tasty meal. You learned about key ingredients and how to cook them step by step. We discussed tips for perfect texture and flavor. You can even try fun variations, add veggies, or switch up proteins. Proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh, too. Enjoy making this dish for a warm family dinner. Your cooking skills will shine, and everyone will love it!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
  3. Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in different vegetables or pasta types based on what you have on hand.
  4. Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for creamy ground beef pasta:

– 300g ground beef

– 250g pasta (penne or fusilli work well)

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup beef broth

– 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Gathering these ingredients sets you up for success. Ground beef gives a rich flavor. The pasta type can change the dish’s texture, so choose what you like best. Heavy cream adds that luscious creaminess we crave. Onion and garlic bring a fragrant base. Beef broth deepens the savory taste. Spinach adds nutrition and color. Parmesan cheese enriches the sauce with its salty bite. Olive oil helps sauté the veggies. Seasonings tie it all together. Don’t forget salt and pepper for flavor! Lastly, fresh basil brightens each bite if you choose to use it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

To cook pasta al dente, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it, so it stays firm. When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Do not forget to save about ½ cup of the pasta water for later!

Browning the Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it until it becomes soft and clear, around 3-4 minutes. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir for another minute. This will make your kitchen smell great! Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add 300g of ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until it turns brown and is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Once the beef is browned, pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Now, add 1 cup of spinach. If you use fresh spinach, let it wilt. If using frozen, just heat it through. Finally, mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired thickness.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta well in the creamy sauce to coat it evenly. Taste the dish and adjust the flavors. You can add more salt or pepper if needed.

Plating and Serving

To serve, plate the creamy ground beef pasta in bowls. For a nice touch, top with fresh basil leaves if you want. It adds flavor and looks beautiful! Enjoy your meal right away.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Creamy Texture

To avoid curdling cream, keep the heat low after adding it. High heat can cause the cream to separate. Stir well to mix it in smoothly. If your sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. This water has starch that helps thin the sauce without losing flavor.

Flavor Enhancements

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs. Fresh parsley or thyme can brighten the dish. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, use Pecorino Romano or even a bit of cream cheese for a different twist. These can add a rich taste to your pasta.

Cooking Techniques

When browning the meat, make sure your skillet is hot. This helps lock in the juices. Stir the beef only a few times to get a nice brown color. Using reserved pasta water is key. It helps to bind the sauce and pasta together, making every bite deliciously creamy.

Pro Tips

  1. Quality Meat: For the best flavor, choose high-quality ground beef, preferably with some fat content for a richer sauce.
  2. Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce, absorbing flavors.
  3. Fresh Spinach: If using fresh spinach, add it towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
  4. Leftover Sauce: This dish stores well; make extra sauce and refrigerate for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stove.

Variations

Vegetable Additions

You can add many vegetables to your creamy ground beef pasta. Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These veggies add flavor and nutrients. If you want to use frozen spinach instead of fresh, it is easy. Just thaw it and squeeze out the extra water. Then, mix it into the sauce. This keeps your dish creamy and delicious!

Protein Alternatives

If you want to switch the meat, ground turkey or chicken works great. They are leaner options and still taste good. For a vegetarian choice, use lentils or mushrooms. They will give you a nice texture and soak up the creamy sauce well.

Sauce Variations

You can change the sauce by adding cream cheese. This adds a rich flavor and thickness. You can also try different cheeses. Mozzarella or Gouda can give your dish a fun twist. Just melt them into the sauce for a creamy goodness. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combination!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftovers, cool the creamy ground beef pasta first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure to label the container with the date.

Freezing Instructions

For freezing, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or cream if it seems dry.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, the dish lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, expect it to last for up to 3 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating.

FAQs

How do I make creamy ground beef pasta dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, you can swap out the heavy cream and cheese. Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich texture. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. These options keep the dish creamy and tasty, without dairy.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare creamy ground beef pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce and mix it with the pasta. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

What sides pair well with creamy ground beef pasta?

This dish goes great with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. A green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread offers a crispy contrast that complements the creaminess. You can also serve steamed veggies to add color and nutrition.

Creamy ground beef pasta is a simple and tasty meal. You learned about key ingredients and how to cook them step by step. We discussed tips for perfect texture and flavor. You can even try fun variations, add veggies, or switch up proteins. Proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh, too. Enjoy making this dish for a warm family dinner. Your cooking skills will shine, and everyone will love i

Here’s what you need for creamy ground beef pasta: - 300g ground beef - 250g pasta (penne or fusilli work well) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup beef broth - 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) Gathering these ingredients sets you up for success. Ground beef gives a rich flavor. The pasta type can change the dish’s texture, so choose what you like best. Heavy cream adds that luscious creaminess we crave. Onion and garlic bring a fragrant base. Beef broth deepens the savory taste. Spinach adds nutrition and color. Parmesan cheese enriches the sauce with its salty bite. Olive oil helps sauté the veggies. Seasonings tie it all together. Don’t forget salt and pepper for flavor! Lastly, fresh basil brightens each bite if you choose to use it. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook pasta al dente, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it, so it stays firm. When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Do not forget to save about ½ cup of the pasta water for later! In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it until it becomes soft and clear, around 3-4 minutes. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir for another minute. This will make your kitchen smell great! Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add 300g of ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until it turns brown and is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Now, add 1 cup of spinach. If you use fresh spinach, let it wilt. If using frozen, just heat it through. Finally, mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired thickness. Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta well in the creamy sauce to coat it evenly. Taste the dish and adjust the flavors. You can add more salt or pepper if needed. To serve, plate the creamy ground beef pasta in bowls. For a nice touch, top with fresh basil leaves if you want. It adds flavor and looks beautiful! Enjoy your meal right away. To avoid curdling cream, keep the heat low after adding it. High heat can cause the cream to separate. Stir well to mix it in smoothly. If your sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. This water has starch that helps thin the sauce without losing flavor. For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs. Fresh parsley or thyme can brighten the dish. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, use Pecorino Romano or even a bit of cream cheese for a different twist. These can add a rich taste to your pasta. When browning the meat, make sure your skillet is hot. This helps lock in the juices. Stir the beef only a few times to get a nice brown color. Using reserved pasta water is key. It helps to bind the sauce and pasta together, making every bite deliciously creamy. Pro Tips Quality Meat: For the best flavor, choose high-quality ground beef, preferably with some fat content for a richer sauce. Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce, absorbing flavors. Fresh Spinach: If using fresh spinach, add it towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients. Leftover Sauce: This dish stores well; make extra sauce and refrigerate for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stove. {{image_2}} You can add many vegetables to your creamy ground beef pasta. Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These veggies add flavor and nutrients. If you want to use frozen spinach instead of fresh, it is easy. Just thaw it and squeeze out the extra water. Then, mix it into the sauce. This keeps your dish creamy and delicious! If you want to switch the meat, ground turkey or chicken works great. They are leaner options and still taste good. For a vegetarian choice, use lentils or mushrooms. They will give you a nice texture and soak up the creamy sauce well. You can change the sauce by adding cream cheese. This adds a rich flavor and thickness. You can also try different cheeses. Mozzarella or Gouda can give your dish a fun twist. Just melt them into the sauce for a creamy goodness. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combination! To store leftovers, cool the creamy ground beef pasta first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure to label the container with the date. For freezing, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or cream if it seems dry. In the fridge, the dish lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, expect it to last for up to 3 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. To make this dish dairy-free, you can swap out the heavy cream and cheese. Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich texture. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. These options keep the dish creamy and tasty, without dairy. Yes, you can prepare creamy ground beef pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce and mix it with the pasta. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. This dish goes great with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. A green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread offers a crispy contrast that complements the creaminess. You can also serve steamed veggies to add color and nutrition. Creamy ground beef pasta is a simple and tasty meal. You learned about key ingredients and how to cook them step by step. We discussed tips for perfect texture and flavor. You can even try fun variations, add veggies, or switch up proteins. Proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh, too. Enjoy making this dish for a warm family dinner. Your cooking skills will shine, and everyone will love it!

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with ground beef and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g ground beef
  • 250 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until well browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
  • Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen). Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it well to coat in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Plate the creamy ground beef pasta in bowls and top with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Fresh basil leaves can be used for garnish.
Keyword beef, creamy, dinner, pasta

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