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Easy Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for Quick Weeknight Dinners

A close-up of creamy beef pasta made with rigatoni, topped with ground meat sauce and fresh parsley garnish.
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This recipe delivers a rich, comforting ground beef pasta dish that is ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You get a high protein meal with a luxurious, creamy Parmesan garlic sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or bowtie recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned completely. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce slightly for 2 minutes.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
  8. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a high protein boost, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
  • You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for extra meltiness.
  • This dish reheats well; add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/creamy-beef-pasta-easy-weeknight-dinner/