Creamy Beef Pasta: Hearty Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
Creamy beef pasta delivers a comforting, rich meal. Tender ground beef, savory sauce, and pasta make a satisfying dinner. Quick to prepare for busy evenings.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp Olive oil
02 -
1 lb Lean ground beef (85/15)
03 -
1 medium Yellow onion, diced
04 -
4 cloves Garlic, minced
05 -
2 tbsp Tomato paste
→ The Velvety Embrace
06 -
1 (28 oz) can Crushed tomatoes
07 -
1/2 cup Beef broth
08 -
1/2 cup Heavy cream
09 -
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
10 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
11 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ The Comforting Core
12 -
12 oz Penne pasta (or similar short pasta)
→ The Finishing Touch
13 -
1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 12 oz Penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside. This is the comforting core of your Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights.
02 -
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp Olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb Lean ground beef (85/15) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 medium Yellow onion, diced, to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 cloves Garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
04 -
Stir in 2 tbsp Tomato paste and 1 tsp Italian seasoning with the beef and aromatics. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, allowing the tomato paste to deepen in color and flavor. This forms the rich foundation for your Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights.
05 -
Pour in 1 (28 oz) can Crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup Beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with Salt and black pepper to taste.
06 -
Stir in 1/2 cup Heavy cream and 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined and heated through. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
07 -
Serve your Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights immediately. Garnish each serving with 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped, and extra Grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy this comforting meal!
# Notes:
01 -
For a richer flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. You can also swap penne for rigatoni or cavatappi.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.
03 -
Don't skip browning the tomato paste; it deepens the flavor significantly. Also, taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
04 -
Pair this hearty pasta with a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread for a complete cozy meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
Large pot
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
06 -
Colander
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 836 kcal
Total Fat: 39 g
Total Carbohydrate: 75 g
Protein: 47 g