Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a quick and tasty meal. It combines flavorful beef, creaminess, and pasta in one dish.

This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need something easy to cook but still want a hearty dinner. Plus, it can please even picky eaters!

How To Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté diced onion until translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it browns, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.
3. Meanwhile, boil salted water in a separate pot. Cook pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Pour vegetable broth into the skillet with the cooked beef and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for about 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts.
5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has about 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 18 grams of fat.

How To Serve Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

You can serve this pasta dish hot right from the skillet. It goes well with a simple green salad and some garlic bread. If you want, you can sprinkle more grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving to make it extra special.

How To Store Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container. Keep the pasta in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk to help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

Tips To Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

1. Use lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier.
2. For more flavor, add some chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, to the skillet when cooking the onions and garlic.
3. You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even a low-fat milk if you want a lighter option.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

This recipe is packed with protein from the ground beef and cheese, making it filling and satisfying. The dish also provides vitamins from the onion and garlic. Using lean meat helps keep the fat content lower. Overall, it offers a balanced meal that combines protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

Variation (If Any)

You can make this recipe your own by changing the pasta shape or using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter dish. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more veggies, or using plant-based ground meat.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as spaghetti, macaroni, or bowtie pasta.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free milk like almond or soy milk if you prefer a lighter option.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before eating.