Creamy Beef Pasta

Creamy Beef Pasta is the definition of comfort food done right. Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, this dish brings together tender pasta, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a silky cream-based sauce that coats every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable—simple enough for busy weeknights, but comforting enough to serve when you want something warm and hearty that everyone will love.

This Creamy Beef Pasta recipe delivers bold flavor using pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques. There’s no need for complicated steps or specialty equipment, which makes it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels. In under an hour, you’ll have a restaurant-style pasta dish that tastes like it simmered all day.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or craving a cozy pasta dinner, Creamy Beef Pasta deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Category: Main Dish

• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

• Method: Sautéing

• Calories: ~580 per serving

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Why Creamy Beef Pasta Is a Weeknight Favorite

Creamy Beef Pasta stands out because it checks all the boxes that home cooks care about most. It’s filling without being heavy, rich without being overwhelming, and easy without sacrificing flavor. Unlike many creamy pasta recipes that rely on complicated sauces, this version uses a balanced combination of cream, Parmesan cheese, and pasta water to create a smooth, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Ground beef adds heartiness and depth, making this dish more satisfying than cream-only pasta recipes. The beef’s savory flavor complements the creaminess, while garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning bring warmth and aroma to the dish. Every component plays an important role, resulting in a creamy beef pasta that feels complete and well-rounded.

Another reason Creamy Beef Pasta is so popular is its flexibility. You can customize it endlessly—add vegetables, swap proteins, adjust seasoning, or even lighten it up slightly without losing the essence of the dish. It’s a dependable recipe you can return to again and again.

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Ingredients for Creamy Beef Pasta

This recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients that work together to create bold flavor and creamy texture.

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
  Penne is ideal for creamy sauces because its ridges help hold onto the sauce. Other short pastas work well too.

• 1 lb lean ground beef
  Lean beef provides rich flavor without making the dish overly greasy.

• 1 cup heavy cream
  This forms the base of the creamy sauce and gives the pasta its signature richness.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  Garlic adds depth and aroma, enhancing the savory notes of the beef.

• 1 medium onion, diced
  Onion provides sweetness and balances the richness of the cream.

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  Parmesan thickens the sauce and adds salty, nutty flavor.

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  A blend of herbs that brings classic Italian-inspired flavor.

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
  Used for sautéing and building flavor at the base of the dish.

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Ingredient Tips for the Best Results

• Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese. It melts more smoothly and creates a creamier sauce.

• Choose lean ground beef (85–90%) to avoid excess grease.

• Heavy cream works best, but half-and-half can be used for a slightly lighter version.

• Reserve pasta water before draining—it’s essential for adjusting sauce consistency.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it holds its shape and texture when tossed with the creamy sauce.

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2. Sauté the Onion

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.

This step builds the flavor foundation of your Creamy Beef Pasta.

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3. Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Avoid overcooking the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

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4. Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 6–7 minutes, until fully browned and cooked through. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Once cooked, drain excess grease if necessary.

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5. Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Slowly add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

The pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and smooth rather than thick and heavy.

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6. Add Parmesan Cheese

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and fully incorporated. The sauce should be creamy, glossy, and well-seasoned.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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7. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently until fully coated in the creamy beef sauce. Let everything warm together for 1–2 minutes.

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8. Serve

Serve the Creamy Beef Pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

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Tips for the Best Creamy Beef Pasta

• Reserve pasta water: It helps loosen the sauce while keeping it flavorful.

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better in creamy sauces.

• Season in layers: Season the beef, sauce, and final dish for balanced flavor.

• Add butter at the end: A small knob of butter adds extra richness and shine.

• Let the sauce simmer gently: Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating.

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Customization Ideas

One of the best things about Creamy Beef Pasta is how easy it is to customize.

Add Vegetables

• Mushrooms

• Spinach

• Peas

• Bell peppers

• Zucchini

Swap the Protein

• Ground chicken

• Ground turkey

• Italian sausage

• Leftover shredded beef

Make It Spicy

• Red pepper flakes

• Cayenne pepper

• Spicy Italian sausage

Change the Pasta

• Rigatoni

• Fusilli

• Rotini

• Shells

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Storage and Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Avoid overheating, as cream sauces can separate if cooked too aggressively.

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Serving Suggestions

Creamy Beef Pasta pairs well with simple sides that balance its richness:

• Garlic bread

• Side salad with vinaigrette

• Roasted vegetables

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

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Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 580 kcal

• Protein: 30 g

• Fat: 32 g

• Saturated Fat: 16 g

• Carbohydrates: 45 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Sodium: 600 mg

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Final Thoughts on Creamy Beef Pasta

Creamy Beef Pasta is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a recipe that delivers comfort, flavor, and reliability every single time. With its rich, velvety sauce and savory ground beef, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and practicality. It’s the kind of meal that brings people to the table, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself after a long day.

What makes Creamy Beef Pasta truly special is its adaptability. You can keep it classic, load it with vegetables, make it spicy, or swap the protein based on what you have on hand. No matter how you customize it, the core elements—creamy sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful beef—remain satisfying and comforting.

This is also a fantastic recipe for beginner cooks. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are forgiving, and the results are consistently delicious. Even experienced home cooks will appreciate how easily this dish comes together while still delivering a restaurant-quality result.