Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
A quick, comforting meal that features a rich, creamy sauce with tender ground beef and pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef Juicy and flavorful, this is the heart of your dish.
- 8 oz short pasta (penne or rotini) The perfect vehicle for holding all that luscious sauce!
- 4 oz cream cheese Adds a velvety richness and creamy tang that elevates the dish.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth For a deeply savory base, giving your sauce a comforting depth.
- 1 tsp garlic powder A dash of aromatic warmth to permeate the meat.
- 1 tsp onion powder Adds a sweet, mellow backdrop that harmonizes with the beef.
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil) Enhances the dish with fragrant, herbaceous notes.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese The finishing touch that blends in beautifully for a cheesy, gooey delight.
- to taste salt and pepper Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the overall deliciousness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing the beef to golden perfection.
- for garnish Fresh parsley A pop of color and freshness that livens up the dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the short pasta, allowing it to cook until al dente—typically around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the lean ground beef, cooking until browned. Break apart the meat with a spatula.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs over the browned beef. Stir well and let those flavors bloom for another minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the cream cheese, stirring gently until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta straight into the skillet, stirring until each noodle is coated in the sauce. If too thick, whisk in more broth to achieve desired consistency.
- Off the heat, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individual servings for easy meals. When reheating, add a splash of broth to restore creaminess.