Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy ground beef pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender rigatoni tossed in a rich tomato and cream sauce, it brings together simple ingredients for a flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups marinara sauce (or tomato based pasta sauce)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half)
• 12 ounces rigatoni (rotini, penne or other medium pasta)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Stir in dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
3. Step 3: Add the marinara sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the sauce simmers, cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Do not rinse.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Simmer for 2 more minutes to help the sauce thicken around the pasta.
6. Step 6: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half and half or whole milk, but reduce simmering time to prevent curdling.
• Use your favorite pasta shape such as penne or rotini for similar results.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers with the onion for extra vegetables and flavor.
• Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Cook it the same way, but be sure to check for doneness as turkey may cook faster.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Reserving pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to cling better to the pasta due to its starch content. It’s recommended but not mandatory.

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 132 reviews

This creamy ground beef pasta dish combines tender rigatoni with a rich, flavorful sauce made from browned ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a luscious blend of marinara and heavy cream. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups marinara sauce (or tomato based pasta sauce)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half)

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces rigatoni (rotini, penne or other medium pasta)
• Salt (for pasta water)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely diced onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
2. Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder with the browned meat. Cook for an additional minute to toast the herbs and release their flavors.
3. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened. Then add the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and let it simmer another 5 minutes to create a creamy texture.
4. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Do not rinse the pasta as the starch helps the sauce cling better.
5. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni directly to the simmering sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding some reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Simmer together for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further.
6. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

• Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce if preferred.
• Do not rinse the pasta after cooking; the starch helps sauce cling to pasta better.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a leaner option.
• Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor, adjust quantity accordingly.

Keywords: creamy ground beef pasta, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, creamy pasta sauce, weeknight dinner