If you’re after the ultimate cozy dinner, look no further than Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: An Incredible Comforting One-Pan Wonder. This hearty, cheese-laden pasta brings all the best comfort food vibes, but in a surprisingly fast and fuss-free package. Rich beef crumbles, tender pasta, and a lusciously creamy sauce are all cooked together in one pan, soaking up savory flavors in every bite. It’s the kind of weeknight hero you’ll find yourself making again and again—because when a dish checks every comfort box while keeping cleanup to a minimum, it’s truly an incredible comforting one-pan wonder!

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: An Incredible Comforting One-Pan Wonder Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how such simple, everyday staples come together to make this dish so special. Each ingredient is chosen for a reason—bringing flavor, creaminess, or a little fresh pop to the mix, and together they create Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: An Incredible Comforting One-Pan Wonder you’ll crave.

Olive oil: The foundation for browning the beef and softening aromatics, adding depth and a hint of richness.
Ground beef: Delivers hearty savoriness and a satisfying bite—use 80/20 for a touch more flavor or leaner for a lighter dish.
Yellow onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and soft texture that melts into the sauce.
Garlic (minced): Infuses every bite with aromatic goodness—fresh is best!
Tomato paste: Packs a punch of umami and a beautiful brick-red hue for extra depth.
Dried Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that gives the sauce its familiar, crowd-pleasing Italian flair.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all those savory flavors.
Black pepper: Offers a touch of warmth and just the right bit of contrast.
Beef broth: Infuses the pasta with rich, meaty flavor as it cooks right in the pan.
Milk: The base of the creamy sauce—it mellows the dish and makes every spoonful silky.
Short pasta (penne or rotini): Catches all the sauce in every nook and cranny, staying tender but never mushy.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a salty, nutty tang and helps thicken the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts to luscious, gooey perfection for true comfort food appeal.
Cream cheese (optional): For those times you crave even more silkiness—just a couple spoonfuls make a big difference.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): That final hit of color and freshness that makes everything pop.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: An Incredible Comforting One-Pan Wonder

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Begin by heating olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. This is the backbone of the dish, so really let those edges get a bit caramelized for maximum flavor. If there’s extra grease, drain it off for a lighter sauce.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it softens and becomes nearly translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for about a minute—just until it’s aromatic and the tomato paste darkens slightly, making the flavor base for your Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: An Incredible Comforting One-Pan Wonder.

Step 3: Simmer Pasta in Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in your uncooked short pasta, making sure it’s nearly submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Give it a good stir now and then, letting the pasta absorb those deep flavors and become beautifully tender.

Step 4: Make It Extra Creamy

Once the pasta’s cooked through and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stir in the grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and cream cheese if you’re using it. Keep mixing until the cheeses melt into a gorgeous, glossy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. For best texture, let the pan sit uncovered for 2 or 3 minutes to let the sauce thicken a bit.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Spoon your Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: An Incredible Comforting One-Pan Wonder into bowls, then shower it with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Every bite should be creamy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying!

How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: An Incredible Comforting One-Pan Wonder

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a must for that pop of color and brightness, but don’t be afraid to add a little extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. If you want even more decadence, a drizzle of olive oil or a few shavings of pecorino take this pasta to the next level.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty and filling all on its own, but it loves company! Serve it with a simple green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette or toss together some roasted veggies for a fresh, colorful side. Garlic bread is a classic pairing—perfect for scooping up any extra sauce from your Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: An Incredible Comforting One-Pan Wonder.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make it extra special? Sprinkle the finished pasta with toasted breadcrumbs for irresistible crunch, serve individual portions in little cast iron skillets, or nestle the pasta in a big serving bowl family-style. You can even stir in a handful of baby spinach or sweet peas at the end for added nutrition and a beautiful green contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be cooled and transferred to an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors meld even more overnight, making for a next-day lunch that’s every bit as tasty as your fresh Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: An Incredible Comforting One-Pan Wonder.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to two months, though it’s best if you freeze it before adding the cheeses. Just let everything cool, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and add cheese when you reheat. If you freeze after the cheese is mixed in, the sauce may separate slightly, but a good stir brings everything back together.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir well to return it to creamy perfection—just like when it first came off the stove!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of ground meat?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken to make the dish a bit lighter, or even go for ground pork for a different flavor profile. The method stays exactly the same, and Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: An Incredible Comforting One-Pan Wonder will still deliver cozy comfort.

What other vegetables can I add?

This recipe is flexible—fold in a couple of handfuls of baby spinach, chopped bell peppers, or frozen peas along with the cheese at the end of cooking. The extra veggies add color and nutrition without overpowering the signature creamy sauce.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free short pasta. Keep an eye on cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can vary. The rest of the recipe for Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: An Incredible Comforting One-Pan Wonder is naturally gluten-free!

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan?

Give the pasta a good stir a couple of times while it simmers. This distributes the sauce and keeps the pasta from sticking. Using a deep, wide skillet also helps ensure everything cooks evenly and doesn’t cling to the bottom.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are perfect because they catch all the creamy sauce. Avoid very delicate or long pasta shapes, as they can become mushy or not soak up the sauce as well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for a little indulgence and a lot of comfort, try this Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: An Incredible Comforting One-Pan Wonder. It’s far more than a simple skillet dinner—it’s a dish you’ll turn to whenever you want something delicious, easy, and sure to make everyone at your table happy. Treat yourself, and let me know how much you love it!

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: An Incredible Comforting One-Pan Wonder Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and creamy one-pan wonder, this Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a hearty and delicious meal that the whole family will love. With tender pasta enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

3 cups beef broth
2 cups milk
12 ounces short pasta (like penne or rotini)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cook ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add aromatics: Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened. Add garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until fragrant.
Add liquids and pasta: Pour in beef broth and milk, then add uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until pasta is cooked.
Stir in cheeses: Add Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese (if using) to the skillet. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
Thicken and garnish: Let the pasta sit uncovered to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.