Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe: Homestyle Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)

Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe: Your new go-to for weeknights! Enjoy tender beef, rich sauce, and simple steps for a comforting, satisfying dinner.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Main Pasta & Beef

01 - 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean)
02 - 12 oz (340g) penne pasta

→ Rich Sauce Essentials

03 - 1 large onion, chopped
04 - 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 (28 oz / 794g) can crushed tomatoes
06 - 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
07 - 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
08 - ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

→ Flavor Boosters

09 - 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

11 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get a big skillet or Dutch oven heating up over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it nicely browned all over, no pink bits left. Honestly, this step makes your kitchen smell amazing! Once it's all browned, drain off any excess fat. I always forget this part and then wonder why my sauce is greasy, oops! Add your chopped onion and cook until it's soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it get fragrant for just about a minute; don't let it burn, that's a sad smell.
02 - Now for the sauce magic! Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is well combined. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This is where the flavors really meld and deepen, creating the rich foundation for this dish. I've rushed this before, and the sauce just didn't have that "oomph," so take your time here. You can totally multitask while this simmers, maybe prep your pasta water!
03 - While your sauce is doing its thing, grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil – and yes, you need to salt the water, it makes a huge difference! Add your penne pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente. That means it should still have a little bite to it. Drain the pasta, but here’s a pro tip I learned the hard way: reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water! You might need it later to adjust the sauce consistency for this pasta. I always forget this step, then regret it.
04 - Once the sauce has simmered and the flavors are deep, it’s time for the creamy goodness! Stir in the heavy cream and about half of your freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the beef mixture. Let it heat through gently for a few minutes, just until the sauce is warmed and slightly thickened. You'll see it transform into this beautiful, velvety texture. Don't let it boil vigorously after adding the cream; a gentle simmer is all you need to keep it smooth and perfect for your rich pasta dish.
05 - Now for the grand finale! Add the cooked and drained penne pasta directly to the creamy beef sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together really well, making sure every single piece of pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick for your liking, now’s the time to add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water. It helps loosen it up and makes it extra silky. I sometimes get a little messy with this step, sauce flying everywhere, but it’s all part of the fun, right?
06 - Dish out generous portions of your delicious creamy beef pasta onto plates. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and, if you have it, some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water! It should look rich, feel comforting, and taste absolutely divine. Take a moment to appreciate your handiwork. This dish is truly a labor of love, and it’s so worth it!

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush the sauce! Let it simmer gently; that's where the magic happens, I swear.
02 - Leftovers are honestly better the next day, but store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
03 - Tried ground turkey once for this Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe, it worked okay, but beef has that richness that just hits different.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end isn't just for looks; it brightens everything up so much!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 - large pot

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 650 kcal
Total Fat: 38g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 35g

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