Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
This creamy and savory pasta dish combines lean ground beef, tender pasta, and a luscious sauce, perfect for a cozy family dinner in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef Provides savory richness.
- 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta Offers excellent sauce-holding capabilities.
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half Adds a luxurious, velvety texture.
- 1 medium onion, diced Provides foundational flavors and sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Offers fragrant notes.
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth Enhances depth of flavor.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Elevates the creaminess.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Adds herby warmth.
- to taste Salt and pepper Essential for flavor enhancement.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. When it shimmers, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute.
- Introduce the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and let it brown, seasoning with salt and pepper for 6-8 minutes.
- While the beef cooks, boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne or fusilli according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauce Creation
- Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, followed by the heavy cream, and let it simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Combining and Serving
- Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating each piece with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Plate and serve hot, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan.
Notes
For lighter options, consider using ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, or low-fat dairy. Great to serve with garlic bread and a side salad.