Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

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

  • Whip Up Comfort: Creamy beef pasta brings ultimate homestyle satisfaction straight to your dinner table.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spices to match your family's taste preferences without complicated cooking techniques.
  • One-Skillet Dish: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or quick meal preparations.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will devour this hearty, creamy pasta that combines familiar flavors with a delicious twist.

What Goes Into Creamy Beef Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Penne Pasta: A classic tube-shaped pasta perfect for holding creamy sauces.
  • Ground Beef: A protein-packed ingredient that adds hearty flavor to the dish.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds depth and deliciousness.
Sauce Components:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Liquid ingredients that create a rich and flavorful sauce base.
  • Greek Yogurt, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy elements that provide smooth and tangy richness.
Seasonings:
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Flavor enhancers that bring the dish to life.
Cooking Components:
  • Olive Oil: A healthy fat for sautéing ingredients.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Bright green herbs that add color and fresh flavor.

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:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Beef broth
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

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:
  • Greek yogurt
  • Parmesan cheese

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

  • Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining to help create a smoother, silkier sauce if the mixture looks too thick.
  • Opt for ground beef with 85-90% lean meat to ensure a flavorful dish without excessive greasiness.
  • Swap Greek yogurt with cottage cheese for an additional protein punch and slightly different creamy texture.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary instead of pre-mixed Italian seasoning for a personalized flavor profile.
  • Slowly stir in dairy components over low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, velvety sauce texture.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Beef Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep the pasta in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir gently until heated through.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
  • Freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Pairing Ideas for Creamy Beef Pasta

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the richness of the beef and cut through the creamy sauce's smoothness.
  • Balance Bread Selection: Serve with crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural contrast to the creamy pasta dish.
  • Fresh Salad Partner: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty beef pasta.
  • Herbal Drink Companion: Brew a fresh basil iced tea with a hint of lemon to cleanse the palate and add a light, aromatic touch that echoes the herb garnish on the pasta.

Different Twists on Creamy Beef Pasta

  • Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or crumbled tofu to create a meat-free version of the dish.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate intake and add extra vegetables to the meal.
  • Greek Yogurt Alternative: For dairy-free options, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut cream or cashew cream to maintain the creamy texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant diners.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

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.

  • Is Greek yogurt necessary for the recipe?

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.

  • How lean should the ground beef be?

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.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

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

Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and cook penne pasta until tender with a slight bite, then drain and reserve.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Lower the heat and incorporate Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce transforms into a velvety, cohesive consistency.
  6. Tenderly fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is luxuriously enrobed in the creamy mixture.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

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.

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