This One Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is the perfect comfort meal for busy weeknights. Combining tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a dish that will have your family asking for seconds. The best part? It’s made in just one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
The combination of beef broth, heavy cream, and melted cheddar creates an irresistible creamy texture, while Italian seasoning and garlic add a delicious depth of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this easy and satisfying dish is a guaranteed hit. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and heavy cream. Mix well.
- Add uncooked penne pasta to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook on medium low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4
One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Meal for Busy Nights
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is the answer. This dish combines the heartiness of ground beef with the richness of a creamy cheese sauce, all wrapped around tender pasta. The best part? It’s made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Whether you’re cooking for a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy meal, this pasta dish is a go to option. In this article, we’ll explore why this recipe is a must try, its versatility, how you can customize it to suit your preferences, and the best ways to serve and store it.
Why One-Pot Meals Are a Game-Changer
One pot meals have become a staple in many kitchens for good reason. They’re easy to prepare, require minimal dishwashing, and allow flavors to develop beautifully as all ingredients cook together. For busy individuals and families, one pot recipes are a lifesaver because they significantly cut down on cooking and cleaning time while still delivering a hearty, home cooked meal.
This One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta embodies all the best aspects of one pot cooking. Everything pasta, beef, sauce, and seasonings cooks in a single pan, absorbing all the flavors and creating a rich, creamy texture that coats every bite. No need to boil pasta separately or worry about multiple pots on the stove; just toss in the ingredients and let the magic happen.
The Perfect Balance of Flavor and Texture
The beauty of this dish lies in its perfect balance of flavors and creamy, satisfying texture. The ground beef adds a hearty, savory base, while the cheese sauce brings a rich, velvety smoothness. The use of Italian seasonings, garlic, and diced tomatoes enhances the depth of flavor, making each bite a comforting experience.
Using beef broth instead of water to cook the pasta adds an extra layer of richness, infusing every noodle with a delicious, meaty taste. Meanwhile, the heavy cream and cheese create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta, ensuring that every forkful is as satisfying as the last.
Customizing Your One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
One of the best things about this dish is its customizability. Whether you have dietary preferences, different ingredients on hand, or want to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe to suit your needs.
1. Choosing the Right Pasta
While penne works wonderfully in this recipe, you can use any pasta shape that holds sauce well. Some great alternatives include:
- Rotini
- Fusilli
- Rigatoni
- Shells
- Elbow macaroni
If you prefer a gluten free version, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
2. Adding More Vegetables
For a nutrition boost, consider adding vegetables to the dish. Some excellent choices include:
- Bell peppers – Adds a slightly sweet and crisp texture.
- Spinach or kale – Wilts easily into the sauce without overpowering the flavor.
- Mushrooms – Adds an umami depth that pairs well with beef.
- Zucchini – Provides a mild flavor and blends well into the dish.
Simply sauté the vegetables along with the beef or stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking for the best results.
3. Switching Up the Protein
While ground beef is the star of this recipe, you can easily swap it out for other proteins:
- Ground turkey or ground chicken – A leaner alternative with a milder taste.
- Sausage – Italian sausage adds a delicious, spiced depth to the dish.
- Meatless crumbles – A great vegetarian option that still delivers a hearty texture.
4. Adjusting the Sauce for Your Preferences
If you like your pasta extra creamy, increase the amount of heavy cream or cheese. If you prefer a tangier, tomato forward flavor, add a little more diced tomatoes or a splash of tomato sauce.
For a slight kick of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
This pasta is already a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with some sides to enhance the dining experience. Here are some great serving suggestions:
1. Garlic Bread
A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion to soak up the creamy sauce.
2. Side Salad
Balance the richness of the pasta with a light, fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette, a Caesar salad, or an arugula and cherry tomato mix works beautifully.
3. Roasted Vegetables
For extra fiber and nutrients, serve the pasta alongside roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
4. Parmesan and Fresh Herbs
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and some chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving adds a pop of freshness and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, don’t worry this pasta stores well and can be easily reheated for another delicious meal.
How to Store:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that cream based sauces may slightly change in texture after freezing.
How to Reheat:
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.
- Microwave: Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between to prevent hot spots.
- Oven: Reheat in an oven safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Conclusion:
One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a meal that checks all the boxes it’s easy, flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers comfort and convenience in every bite.
Its creamy texture, savory beef, and rich cheese sauce make it a go to comfort food, while its one-pot simplicity ensures that even the busiest home cooks can whip it up effortlessly. Plus, with so many customization options, you can make it your own by tweaking ingredients to suit your taste.
So, the next time you need a quick and delicious dinner, give this One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta a try. It’s guaranteed to become a family favorite that you’ll come back to again and again.