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Easy Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for Weeknight Dinner

A close-up of creamy beef pasta made with farfalle (bowtie) noodles in a white bowl.
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Make this satisfying, high-protein creamy ground beef pasta in under 30 minutes. This easy, one-pot recipe features savory ground beef in a rich Parmesan garlic sauce, perfect for a family-friendly weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound pasta (bowtie, shells, or penne recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked pasta.
  7. Gradually stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a higher protein meal, use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher).
  • If you do not have beef broth, you can substitute it with chicken broth or water mixed with 1 beef bouillon cube.
  • This dish works well with bowtie pasta or medium shells, as they hold the creamy sauce nicely.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/creamy-beef-pasta-easy-30-minute-dinner/