Dinner

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Name: Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 medium onion chopped; 1 pound lean ground beef; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 14 ounce can diced tomatoes with juices; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard see note; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream; Salt & pepper to taste; Freshly grated parmesan cheese optional (to taste)

KrystelSeptember 17, 2024

DifficultyEasy

Servings6

Whip up a Flavorful Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Tonight

Introduction

Hey there! I'm so thrilled you've dropped by for what I promise is going to be a game-changer for those busy weeknights when you're craving something utterly satisfying yet straightforward to whip up. We're talking about a dish that marries the robust flavors of lean ground beef and comforting pasta, made luxurious with a creamy sauce that's absolutely to die for. Imagine coming home after a long day, and without much fuss or a million ingredients, you're able to serve a dinner that looks as if it took hours to make.

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is just that – a blend of hearty meat, al dente pasta, all wrapped up in a deliciously creamy tomato sauce, seasoned to perfection with Italian herbs. It's the kind of comfort food that not only feeds the body but also the soul. And the best part? It's an easy dinner recipe that lets you enjoy more time around the table with less time standing over the stove. Trust me, one bite, and it'll become a family favorite at your dinner table, too.

Key Takeaways:

Perfect for busy weeknights: An easy ground beef recipe that's both filling and quick to prepare.
Simple and delicious: Made with pantry staples like tomato paste and Italian seasoning, ensuring a flavorful experience with minimal effort.
A family favorite comfort food: Combines the comforting qualities of pasta and ground beef in a creamy tomato sauce.

Ingredients Overview

Let's dive into the heart of this delicious recipe, the main ingredients that bring the creamy ground beef pasta to life.

Lean ground beef: the star of the show, offering rich, meaty depth. Opt for lean cuts to keep it healthier, or switch it up with ground turkey for a lighter touch.
Heavy cream: brings that luxurious creamy texture to our sauce. It's a game-changer! But, if you're looking for alternatives, whole milk or even coconut milk can step in to create that rich, creamy base we're craving.
Tomato paste and Italian seasoning: infuse the sauce with tangy, herby notes, crafting a tomato sauce that's anything but ordinary.
Olive oil, garlic, and onions: these kitchen staples lay the flavor foundation, ensuring our dish starts off on the right foot.

With these simple ingredients, we're set to create a comforting, creamy masterpiece that's perfect for any busy weeknight.

Pasta Selection Tips

Let's talk pasta, you know, the star of any creamy ground beef pasta recipe. Selecting the right type of pasta isn't just about what you've got tucked away in your pantry; it's about making your dish come to life. Picture this: elbow macaroni or pasta shells, each cradling that delicious, creamy tomato sauce and bits of lean ground beef or Italian sausage in every bite. It's not just about the taste; it's about the texture too. Now, have you ever heard chefs go on about pasta being cooked al dente? That's because it's the golden rule for pasta perfection—firm to the bite, which means it's perfectly cooked to not just hold up to our scrumptious meat sauce but to make every bite a little bit of heaven.

Cooking The Perfect Beef

Now, let's talk about the heart of this dish—the beef. Choosing between lean ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage can be a bit of a dilemma, right? Don't worry, it's all about the flavor you're craving. Lean ground beef is my go-to for a richer taste, but swapping it out for ground turkey can lighten the meal without sacrificing texture. Now, if you're in the mood for something with an extra kick, Italian sausage will be your best friend. Regardless of your pick, the secret to perfectly browned meat lies in your skillet's heat. Crank it up to medium-high and give your chosen meat the attention it deserves in a large skillet, letting it sear and caramelize beautifully. This is the stage where magic happens, laying down the foundation of flavor for your creamy ground beef pasta.

Creating the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Who said weeknight dinners had to be a bland affair? Certainly not me! Tonight, we're diving into the heart of comfort food with a stovetop creamy ground beef pasta that'll have your family begging for seconds. Now, getting that creamy tomato sauce just right might seem like a feat, but trust me, it's simpler than you think. The trick is in the blend of tomato paste and Italian seasoning, simmered to perfection.

Then, I swirl in some heavy cream at just the right moment to create that rich, dreamy sauce. But here's my little secret—on days when the fridge is running low on heavy cream, I've found that cream cheese or even a splash of coconut milk can do wonders as a substitute. It's all about using what you've got to whip up a dish that's both easy and bursting with flavor. So, grab that large skillet and let's make some magic happen on medium heat.

Combining Ingredients

Bringing together the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and the creamy tomato sauce to create this heartwarming dish is like orchestrating a symphony in the kitchen. Here's how I, with a little twirl of the spoon and a dash of love, turn these components into a complete meal that sings comfort with every bite. First, you've got your pasta, preferably al dente because who doesn't love that perfect bite? Imagine those pasta shells or elbow macaroni, each piece eager to cradle our rich sauce.

Then, there's the meat sauce, our robust mix of lean ground beef or if you're feeling a little adventurous, maybe even ground turkey, sautéed to perfection on medium-high heat in a large skillet. The depth of flavor here is a game-changer, my friends. But wait, the real magic happens when we introduce our creamy tomato sauce to the mix. A dollop of heavy cream, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and a scoop of tomato paste - this trio transforms the ordinary into extraordinary. And let's not forget a splash of pasta water, because trust me, it's not just water; it's liquid gold that brings everything together, ensuring our sauce clings to the pasta in velvety goodness. It's this final act that completes our masterpiece, ready to grace your dinner table.

Tips and Tools for this recipe

Check out my kitchen essentials, where you'll find my favorite kitchen tools, spices and more!

I always use my dutch oven to make my Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta along with many of my other stovetop to oven recipes!
For the best flavor and melting use freshly grated cheese! I use my super easy hand crank cheese grater for fast grating!
For serving this are my favorite white ceramic bowls.
To store the extra dry pasta I use these airtight containers.

Storing Leftovers

Oh, diving into the world of storing leftovers, isn't it just the cherry on top of a satisfying meal? Especially with a hearty dish like our stovetop American Chop Suey, it's almost a given there'll be some to tuck away for later. Trust me, wrapping up this comforting classic just right uncovers the magic of flavors that've had a chance to become even more acquainted. So, here’s a nifty guide to preserving that delightful goodness.

Airtight container: The key to maintaining the freshness and preventing any fridge odors from sneaking into your Suey. Seal it snugly!
Fridge life: Kept chilled, your Suey will cozy up nicely for about 3 to 5 days. Just imagine, dinner at the ready!
Freezing potential: Yes, you can freeze it! Perfect for those nights when cooking is the last thing on your mind. It hibernates well for up to three months.
Reheating: A splash of chicken broth while warming it up keeps everything moist and delicious.
The next day: Honestly, it might just be a mystery of the universe, but this dish tends to taste even better the following day. The flavors marry and deepen, creating an even more comforting comfort food, if that's possible.

Storage Tips

Now, let's chat about one of my favorite parts - the leftovers! After we've all enjoyed the comforting embrace of this easy dinner recipe, storing the leftover pasta right is key to keeping the deliciousness alive. I've found that an airtight container is your best friend here. Just pop the leftover creamy ground beef pasta in, seal it up, and into the fridge it goes.

The beauty of this? It somehow gets even more flavorful the next day. It’s like the creamy tomato sauce, the beefy bits, and the pasta have a little overnight party and we’re invited to taste the results the next evening. Just reheat it gently and maybe throw a little extra parmesan on top - because, let’s face it, cheese is always a good idea. There you have it, a meal that keeps on giving, ensuring your busy weeknights are a breeze and your dinner table is always a place of joy.

A Toast to Comfort Food

There's something magical about sitting down to a dinner table laden with bowls of steaming Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food, isn't it? A dish that fills the room with its inviting aroma, whispering promises of a hearty meal that’s sure to warm hearts and satisfy any hunger. This dish, brimming with lean ground beef, cloaked in a creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly seasoned with Italian seasoning and a hint of garlic powder, is my love letter to those of us who cherish the simple joy of a homemade meal on busy weeknights.

It’s an easy ground beef recipe, ingeniously designed for picky eaters and discerning palates alike. Imagine the kind of pasta that merges the best of all worlds – the tender bite of pasta shells, al dente, enrobed in a delicious creamy sauce that’s been given a splash of heavy cream or, for those looking for a twist, coconut milk. The versatility of this recipe means you can switch up the meat sauce using pantry staples, perhaps opting for ground turkey or Italian sausage, and still end up with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

The beauty of this creamy beef pasta recipe doesn’t just lie in its rich flavors or the comforting embrace of each creamy, cheesy forkful. It's in the way it calls us to gather, to share laughter and stories over a meal that was crafted with love, using simple ingredients and ensuring every bite is savored. It's why this easy dinner recipe has quickly become a family favorite, one that brings a sense of warmth and belonging to our dinner table. Serving it feels like a celebration, a toast to the joys of comfort food, making any night feel special.