Creamy Beef Pasta: Hearty Italian Dinner (Print Version)

Rich Creamy Beef Pasta delivers hearty Italian comfort. Ground beef, pasta, and a luscious sauce make this a satisfying weeknight dinner for the whole family.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Beef & Aromatics

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Velvety Tomato Embrace

06 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
07 - 1/2 cup beef broth
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

→ Pasta & Italian Soul

10 - 12 oz short pasta (e.g., penne, rigatoni)
11 - 1 tsp dried oregano
12 - 1 tsp dried basil
13 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz short pasta (e.g., penne, rigatoni) and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup pasta water, then set aside. This ensures your Creamy Beef Pasta: Cozy Italian Comfort Food has perfectly cooked noodles.
02 - In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in 1/2 large yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
03 - Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Season the beef and onion mixture generously with salt and black pepper to taste. This aromatic base is crucial for building the deep flavors of your Creamy Beef Pasta: Cozy Italian Comfort Food.
04 - Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup beef broth. Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
05 - Remove the lid and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and melted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This step makes the 'Creamy' in Creamy Beef Pasta: Cozy Italian Comfort Food truly shine.
06 - Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Serve immediately, garnished with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!

# Notes:

01 - Don't forget to reserve some pasta water! It's a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling beautifully to the pasta.
02 - Leftover Creamy Beef Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
03 - Feel free to experiment with different short pasta shapes like rotini or cavatappi. For an extra veggie boost, sauté diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion.
04 - This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - Large skillet
03 - Cutting board
04 - Chef's knife
05 - Measuring cups
06 - Measuring spoons

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 820 kcal
Total Fat: 36 g
Total Carbohydrate: 73 g
Protein: 48 g

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