Looking for a fast, hearty, and family-approved dinner? This Easy Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is your new go-to. It’s a comforting one-pan meal made with simple pantry staples, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re too tired to deal with a sink full of dishes.
What makes this pasta shine is its flavor and ease. The ground beef is browned with onions and garlic, then simmered with pasta, broth, and a splash of cream until everything is tender and coated in a rich, savory sauce. Because everything cooks in one pot, the pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks—no separate boiling needed.
This recipe is great for families, couples, or solo cooks. Kids love the creamy texture, adults love the flavor, and cleanup is minimal. You can easily double it for meal prep or change things up with different veggies or cheeses based on what you have.
In this post, you’ll get everything you need to make it a success—step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and options to adjust it to your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a cozy bowl of something good, this stovetop creamy pasta is comfort food done right.
Why You’ll Love This creamy ground beef pasta
This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s practical. Here’s why it’s a weeknight winner:
One-Pot Convenience – No juggling pots or pans. Cook the beef, pasta, and sauce all in one skillet. Less cleanup, more time to relax.
Quick & Easy – Dinner’s done in 30 minutes. Great for when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.
Rich, Creamy Flavor – A mix of seasoned beef, garlic, and onions, all wrapped in a creamy sauce. It’s simple but loaded with flavor.
Kid-Approved, Adult-Loved – Creamy pasta is a hit with picky eaters, and the savory beef adds that extra punch for grown-up palates.
Adaptable – Use any pasta shape, swap the cream for a lighter option, or toss in some veggies like spinach or peas. Make it yours.
Budget-Friendly – Uses everyday ingredients like ground beef, broth, and pasta. It’s filling, delicious, and easy on the wallet.
With all these benefits, it’s no surprise this creamy beef pasta is a repeat favorite. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep in your back pocket for those nights when you want something good, fast, and fuss-free.
What You’ll Need
This creamy ground beef pasta is made with everyday ingredients that come together fast. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean is best, but any kind works.
- 8 oz pasta – Penne, rotini, or elbows hold sauce well.
- 1 small onion (diced) – Adds savory sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) – For flavor depth.
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium) – Builds a rich base. Chicken or veggie broth is fine too.
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half – Makes the sauce creamy.
- ½ cup heavy cream – Adds richness (or use more milk).
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter – For sautéing.
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
These simple ingredients create a rich, creamy, and comforting dish. If you’re missing something, don’t worry—this recipe is flexible. Use what you’ve got, and swap where needed (like turkey instead of beef or oat milk for dairy-free).
It’s all easy to find, budget-friendly, and free from any pork or alcohol-based ingredients—making it perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome, satisfying meal without fuss.
How to Make creamy ground beef pasta
This one-pan pasta is quick and beginner-friendly. Here’s how to make it:
- Sauté onion & garlic:
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Cook 1 diced onion until soft, then add 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds more. - Brown beef:
Add 1 lb ground beef. Break it up as it browns, cooking until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed. - Add seasoning & liquid:
Stir in 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, and ½ tsp paprika (optional). Pour in 2 cups broth + 1 cup milk. Mix well. - Add pasta & simmer:
Stir in 8 oz pasta. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover. Simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring a few times. - Finish with cream & cheese:
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Let it melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add more milk if it’s too thick. - Serve & enjoy:
Taste and adjust salt. Serve hot and top with extra cheese or herbs if you like.
Done in 30 minutes, all in one pan—this is comfort food without the hassle.
You Must Know
Before making this one-pan creamy beef pasta, keep these key points in mind for the best results:
1. Use a large pan.
A roomy skillet keeps everything from boiling over and gives space to stir the pasta as it cooks.
2. Don’t skip the onion and garlic.
They build the base flavor. Sauté them until soft before adding the beef.
3. Season as you go.
Don’t wait until the end—season the beef while it browns so every bite is flavorful.
4. Stir during simmering.
Since the pasta cooks right in the sauce, stir often so it doesn’t stick or clump.
5. Keep it creamy.
If the liquid reduces too fast, add a splash of milk or broth. This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents drying out.
6. Add cheese at the end.
Turn off the heat first. This keeps the cheese from breaking or turning grainy.
7. Don’t overcook the pasta.
Start checking it around 12 minutes. It should be tender, not mushy.
8. Flexible recipe.
You can toss in frozen peas, fresh spinach, or other quick-cooking veggies at the end for variety.
Knowing these basics helps you avoid common mistakes and makes the process stress-free. With just a little attention, this dish becomes a reliable favorite you’ll keep coming back to.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Want creamy, flavorful pasta every time? Follow these simple tips to perfect the cooking process:
1. Brown the beef well.
Let it get some color—it boosts flavor. Don’t rush this part.
2. Sauté aromatics first.
Start with onions and garlic before the beef. This creates a solid flavor base.
3. Simmer gently.
After adding pasta and liquid, lower the heat. Let it cook slowly so the pasta softens and the sauce thickens naturally.
4. Stir occasionally.
You don’t need to hover, but give it a stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
5. Balance the sauce.
Too thick? Add a little milk. Too runny? Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes to reduce.
6. Finish off the heat.
When the pasta’s ready, remove from heat before adding cream and cheese. It keeps the sauce silky and smooth.
7. Taste before serving.
Adjust salt or pepper if needed. A final taste ensures it’s just right.
8. Let it rest briefly.
Give it a minute off the stove before serving. The sauce settles and thickens just enough to cling perfectly to the pasta.
These small steps make a big difference—and turn a simple one-pan meal into something extra satisfying.
Add Your Touch
This creamy beef pasta is easy to customize. Here are quick ways to make it your own:
Swap the Meat:
Use ground turkey, chicken, or meatless crumbles. All work great and soak up the same flavor.
Try Different Pasta:
Elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini all cook well in one pan. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti.
Add Veggies:
Stir in spinach, peas, or corn at the end. Or sauté diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion.
Make It Spicy:
Add crushed red pepper, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick.
Use Different Cheeses:
Cheddar melts well, but mozzarella adds creaminess and Parmesan gives a sharp finish.
Richer or Lighter:
Use extra cream and cheese for a richer dish, or go lighter with low-fat milk or dairy-free options like oat milk.
Flavor Boosters:
Try a small spoon of Dijon mustard or soy sauce in the sauce. It adds depth without changing the flavor too much.
Crunchy Topping (Optional):
Top with breadcrumbs and broil for a crispy finish after cooking—great for serving guests or leftovers.
No matter how you tweak it, this dish holds up. Keep it simple or add extras—it’s always tasty.
Storing & Reheating
Got leftovers? This dish stores well and is easy to reheat. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Make your weeknight meals even easier—see what’s cooking here.
Cool First:
Let pasta cool a bit before storing. This prevents sogginess.
Refrigerate Properly:
Store in an airtight container. Good for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freeze for Later:
Freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat on Stove:
Warm slowly on medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth. Stir gently to bring back the creaminess.
Microwave Option:
Add a spoon of milk or broth, cover loosely, and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Don’t Overheat:
Too much heat makes the sauce separate and pasta mushy. Warm just until hot.
Add Cheese at the End (Optional):
Freshly shredded cheese can bring reheated leftovers back to life.
Handled right, leftovers are just as good—maybe even better the next day.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Want to get the best results every time? Keep these simple tips in mind:
This isn’t the only one-pan winner on the blog—see another favorite.
Use the right pan:
A large, deep skillet is best so nothing overflows while cooking.
Brown the meat well:
Let the beef get golden brown before adding liquids. It adds extra flavor.
Sauté the onions first:
Cook the onion and garlic before the beef. It builds a strong, savory base.
Season as you cook:
Add salt and pepper to the beef and onions—not just at the end.
Watch the heat:
Simmer gently after adding liquids. Too much heat will dry out the sauce.
Stir often:
This keeps the pasta from sticking and helps everything cook evenly.
Add cheese at the end:
Remove from heat before stirring in cheese to keep it smooth and creamy.
Check pasta early:
Taste a piece before the timer goes off to avoid overcooking.
Loosen thick sauce:
If it gets too thick, just add a splash of milk or broth.
Let it sit before serving:
A few minutes of rest helps the sauce thicken slightly and cling to the pasta.
These tips are easy to follow and really help turn a simple dish into something extra comforting.
FAQ
Can I use different ground meat?
Yes! Turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat all work well.
Need a quick weeknight meal? You’ll love this one too.
Can I use a different pasta?
Stick to short shapes like shells or rotini. Avoid spaghetti—it won’t cook evenly.
How long will leftovers last?
Up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of milk.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Use a skillet with a little broth or milk. Microwave works too—just stir often.
Is it spicy?
Not by default. Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like heat.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use non-dairy milk and cheese substitutes. Go with plain options.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—peas, spinach, or diced peppers work great. Add near the end.
Do I need to cook pasta separately?
Nope! Everything cooks in one pan to save time and cleanup.
This section clears up common questions fast—making it easier to enjoy and tweak the recipe your way.
Conclusion
This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is the kind of dinner everyone needs in their back pocket. It’s quick, made with simple ingredients, and comes together in just one pan—perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy, cheesy sauce wraps around the beef and pasta to create a dish that’s cozy, filling, and easy to love.
What makes this recipe a winner is its flexibility. You can switch out the meat, use any short pasta, or stir in frozen or fresh veggies you have on hand. Want it lighter? Use low-fat milk. Need it heartier? Add extra cheese or some extra pasta. The base is solid and forgiving, so it works no matter how you tweak it.
It’s also a great option for leftovers. It reheats well and even freezes if needed. Just a splash of milk or broth brings it right back to life. That makes it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches. Plus, one-pan cooking means less cleanup—always a win.
Even beginner cooks can master this dish, and seasoned home chefs will appreciate how adaptable it is. It’s comfort food without being complicated, and it never fails to satisfy.
So next time you’re short on time but want something delicious and homemade, turn to this creamy beef pasta. It’s easy, tasty, and sure to become a regular on your dinner table.
Easy Creamy Ground Beef Pasta – Made on the Stovetop in One Pan
Description
A cozy, creamy ground beef pasta made in one pan with simple ingredients. Quick to prepare, family-friendly, and full of savory flavor—perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the cleanup.
Ingredients
Instructions
Sauté onion & garlic in oil over medium heat until soft.
Add ground beef, cook until browned, drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in pasta, broth, and milk. Bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook on low for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove lid, stir in cheese and cream. Let it thicken slightly.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot!
Notes
- Use any short pasta shape you like.
For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and use low-fat milk.
Add frozen peas, spinach, or corn in the last few minutes for extra nutrition.
For extra cheesiness, stir in a bit of Parmesan at the end.
Great for leftovers—just reheat with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.