Go Back
Delicious Beef Pasta dish featured as the main image for a recipe article.

Perfect Creamy Beef Pasta

This beef pasta recipe delivers a comforting and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. The key is browning the beef for maximum flavor, simmering the sauce to develop complexity, and using pasta water to create a creamy, cohesive dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend preferred
  • 1 pound pasta penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • colander
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.