Savory One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

Savory One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta is a delicious meal that brings the comfort of home right to your table. With rich flavors and creamy goodness, it’s perfect for family dinners or a quick weeknight meal. Plus, everything is cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for several reasons! First, it combines hearty ground beef, pasta, and cheese for a satisfying dish. It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. And, most importantly, it’s a family favorite that everyone will love! You’ll find yourself making this pasta again and again, especially on busy days.

How to Make Savory One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
2 cups medium pasta shells
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Start by cooking the pasta shells in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 2-3 minutes.
Next, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir it all together and let it cook for another minute to develop the flavors.
Now add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it’s nicely browned, using a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. If there’s extra grease, drain it off.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors together.
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth and creamy sauce.
Finally, add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss everything until well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve Savory One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

Serve this creamy delight warm, straight from the pot. It's lovely on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for an even better meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra parsley or cheese on top for a nice touch!

How to Store Savory One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy texture.

Tips to Make Savory One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

For added flavor, you can sauté the garlic and onion a bit longer until they are golden before adding the beef.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta in the beginning. It will continue cooking in the skillet, so aim for slightly undercooked.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add your favorite vegetables!

Variation

You can easily make this dish lighter by substituting ground turkey for the beef or using whole wheat pasta. You can also add in some spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like! Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of pasta.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the beef broth is also gluten-free.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just reheat it when you are ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep!