Cozy Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite
Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying meals that beef pasta perfection delivers with minimal effort.
Rich, hearty flavors blend seamlessly in this comforting dish.
Tender meat mingles with silky sauce, creating a symphony of textures.
Pantry staples come together in under 30 minutes to craft a memorable meal.
Each forkful promises warmth and satisfaction.
No complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients stand between you and this delectable pasta.
A single skillet transforms basic components into a crowd-pleasing feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why People Love Creamy Beef Pasta
What Goes Into Creamy Beef Pasta
Main Ingredients:Aromatics:Sauce Components:Seasonings:Cooking Components:Garnish:Steps to Make Creamy Beef Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in some salt.
Bring the water to a rolling boil and drop in the penne pasta.
Cook until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture.
Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.
Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics
Heat up a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat.
Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic.
Let them dance and sizzle until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their incredible aroma throughout the kitchen.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Introduce the ground beef to the skillet.
Break it apart using a spatula, allowing it to brown beautifully.
Cook until the meat is completely done and has that perfect golden-brown color.
Step 4: Create the Sauce Foundation
Pour in these flavor-packed ingredients:Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer, developing a rich, deep flavor profile.
Step 5: Craft the Creamy Magic
Lower the heat and blend in:Whisk until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety masterpiece that will make taste buds dance.
Step 6: Marry the Pasta and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked penne into the skillet.
Ensure every single pasta piece gets a luxurious coating of the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Perfect the Flavors
Take a moment to taste the dish.
Adjust the seasonings if needed.
Let the pasta rest for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to mingle.
Step 8: Serve and Delight
Plate the pasta and sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Your creamy beef pasta is ready to steal the show at dinner!
Tips for Better Creamy Beef Pasta
Storing and Reheating Creamy Beef Pasta
Pairing Ideas for Creamy Beef Pasta
Different Twists on Creamy Beef Pasta
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or shells. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the creamy sauce well.
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess, but you can replace it with sour cream or heavy cream if preferred. Each option will slightly change the sauce’s flavor and texture.
Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content for the best flavor and moisture. Leaner beef might result in a drier dish, so avoid extremely lean options.
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and mix with freshly cooked pasta to maintain the best texture and prevent soggy noodles.
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Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Comfort meets flavor in this creamy beef pasta, blending hearty ground beef with silky sauce and perfectly al dente noodles. Rich Italian-inspired ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (453 grams) lean ground beef
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) diced tomatoes (with juices)
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and cook penne pasta until tender with a slight bite, then drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing onions and garlic until they become soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Introduce ground beef into the skillet, methodically crumbling the meat with a spatula and cooking thoroughly until a rich, even brown color develops, eliminating any residual fat.
- Cascade diced tomatoes with their natural juices and beef broth into the skillet, sprinkling Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a robust flavor foundation. Stir and allow the mixture to simmer gently.
- Lower the heat and incorporate Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce transforms into a velvety, cohesive consistency.
- Tenderly fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is luxuriously enrobed in the creamy mixture.
- Evaluate the seasoning, making subtle adjustments to suit your palate. Allow the dish to rest momentarily, permitting the sauce to slightly thicken and intensify its flavors.
- Transfer to serving plates, adorning with freshly chopped basil or parsley to introduce a vibrant, herbaceous note and elevate the visual appeal.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality penne with ridges to help sauce cling better, enhancing overall flavor and texture.
- Fat Management: Lean ground beef works best, but drain excess fat to prevent greasy sauce and maintain a light, creamy consistency.
- Yogurt Wisdom: Use full-fat Greek yogurt at room temperature to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for nutritional variety and accommodating different dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
James Hambly
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.
The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.
James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.