Easy Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
584 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
Description
Easy Creamy Ground Beef Pasta starts with cooking pasta until al dente, then preparing a sauce by sautéing chopped onion and garlic with lean ground beef until browned. The sauce base is built from canned diced tomatoes combined with tomato paste, seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of Dijon mustard, simmered until slightly thickened.
Heavy cream is then added to create a creamy texture that balances acidity and enriches the sauce. Salt and pepper are adjusted to taste. The cooked pasta is drained and tossed into the sauce, ensuring each strand is coated in the savory, creamy mixture. Optionally, freshly grated Parmesan cheese may be sprinkled on top to add a nutty depth.
This pasta dish is filling and comforting, suitable for a main course. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. The sauce’s blend of tomato tang and creamy smoothness makes for a satisfying plate.
Dijon mustard in the sauce adds complexity but can be omitted if unavailable. For those who prefer no tomato chunks, tomato sauce may be used instead. Italian seasoning can be adjusted according to preference.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta uncooked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 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 cream aka whipping cream
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- Parmesan Cheese optional, to taste, freshly grated
Instructions
- Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
- Add the onion and olive oil to a large skillet (or small pot/Dutch oven) and cook for 4-5 minutes over medium-high heat.
- Add in the ground beef and garlic and continue cooking for another 8 minutes or so until the beef has browned (break the meat up with your spoon as you go along). Spoon out excess fat if there's a lot of it.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 4-5 minutes or until the sauce has reduced somewhat.
- Stir in the cream and cook for another 3-5 minutes (it'll warm through and reduce a bit).
- Season generously with salt & pepper as needed and toss with the drained pasta. Serve with parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Dijon mustard enriches the sauce’s flavor but is optional and can be omitted without major impact.
- Adjust Italian seasoning to your taste; increase if a stronger herb note is preferred.
- Use tomato sauce if diced tomato pieces are not desired for a smoother sauce texture.
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan for extra depth and savoriness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 584 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 584kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 131mg | 44% |
| Sodium | 176mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 849mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 894IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 92mg | 9% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.