Do you ever crave a comforting, home-cooked meal that comes together in a snap? This Easy Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is the answer to those busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A classic combination of pasta, beef, and creamy sauce that everyone loves.
• Customizable: Add vegetables, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.

Tools You’ll Need

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have these tools ready:

Tool	Purpose
Large pot	For boiling pasta.
Skillet or Dutch oven	To cook the beef and sauce.
Wooden spoon or spatula	For stirring and breaking up ground beef.
Measuring cups and spoons	For precise ingredient measurements.
Colander	To drain the cooked pasta.
Grater (optional)	For freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Ingredients for Easy Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Ground beef	1 lb	Provides hearty protein.
Heavy/whipping cream	¾ cup	Creates a rich, creamy sauce.
Canned diced tomatoes (undrained)	1 (14 oz) can	Adds tangy tomato flavor.
Uncooked pasta	8 oz	The base of the dish.
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	For sautéing the onion.
Sweet yellow onion (chopped)	½	Adds sweetness and depth.
Minced garlic	1 ½ teaspoons	Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons	Enhances the tomato base.
Dijon mustard	½ teaspoon	Adds a subtle tang to the sauce.
Italian seasoning	¼ teaspoon	Brings a herby, savory note.
Salt	To taste	Enhances all the flavors.
Black pepper	To taste	Adds mild heat and flavor balance.
Freshly grated parmesan (optional)	As desired	Adds a finishing touch of salty richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the uncooked pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Sauté the Onion

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped sweet yellow onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

1. Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onion.
2. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns.
3. If needed, drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from being greasy.

4. Add Garlic and Seasoning

1. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Mix in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning.
3. Let the mixture simmer for 4–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.

5. Incorporate the Cream

1. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy/whipping cream.
2. Let the sauce cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, thickening slightly and becoming velvety.

6. Combine Sauce and Pasta

1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it well to coat in the sauce.
2. If needed, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

7. Season and Serve

1. Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta

• Use Quality Pasta: A sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well.
• Reserve Pasta Water: It’s great for loosening the sauce without diluting the flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the ground beef in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
• Fresh Garlic for Flavor: Always use fresh garlic for the best taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~450
Protein	20g
Total Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	30g
Sodium	~600mg

FAQs About Easy Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent leaner alternatives to ground beef.

2. What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni is ideal as it holds the sauce well. However, you can use any pasta you have on hand.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

6. How can I add more vegetables?

You can sauté vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the onion. Alternatively, toss in some fresh spinach or frozen peas toward the end of cooking.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
• Cheesy Delight: Mix shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the sauce before serving.
• Herbaceous Touch: Add fresh basil or parsley as a garnish for extra flavor.
• One-Pot Version: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce with additional broth or water to simplify cleanup.

Conclusion

This Easy Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. With its creamy tomato sauce and hearty beef, it’s a dish you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Why wait? Head to your kitchen and whip up this delicious pasta dish tonight—it’s comfort food made easy!