Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving something indulgent, comforting, and downright delicious, this Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. It’s a one-pot wonder that I discovered during a busy weeknight when I wanted something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked pasta come together so effortlessly — you’ll be amazed at how fan-freaking-tastic this dish turns out every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is in its straightforward, flavorful ingredients that work together seamlessly. I always recommend using quality ground beef and fresh cheese to get the best results.

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps brown the beef evenly without extra saltiness.
• Ground beef: I prefer grass-fed for better flavor and nutrition, but regular works just fine.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning; always taste as you go.
• Garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory punch without overpowering the dish.
• Shallot: Finely chopped to add a mild onion sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Dried short-cut pasta: Rigatoni or penne are perfect to hold onto the creamy sauce.
• Chicken or beef broth: This is the base liquid that cooks the pasta and infuses flavor.
• Heavy whipping cream: Creates that luscious texture that makes this recipe feel indulgent.
• Sharp white cheddar cheese: Adds a punch of sharpness and melts beautifully into the sauce.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Boosts the savory umami notes; always best fresh.

Variations

This recipe is such a great foundation that I love tweaking it depending on what I have in my fridge or the mood we’re in. Feel free to personalize yours to suit your tastes — the results are always satisfying!

• Swap the ground beef: I’ve tried ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, and it still comes out creamy and tasty.
• Add veggies: Stir in spinach or mushrooms when you add the shallots for a veggie boost without complicating the cooking.
• Change the cheese combo: Mixing mozzarella with cheddar gives it a stretchier texture that some days I just love.
• Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce kicked up the heat for a more exciting dinner.

How to Make Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor

Start by melting the butter over medium-high heat in a large stock pot or Dutch oven. When it’s sizzling, add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles. I like to keep it moving so it browns evenly — about 6 to 7 minutes until there are no pink bits left and you get that delicious caramelized color. Season the beef with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, and then add the finely chopped shallot. Stir it together and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes; this step really builds deep, savory flavor that’s the backbone of the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta in Broth

Here’s where the magic happens: add your dried pasta straight into the pot with the beef, followed by the chicken or beef broth. Give everything a good stir so the pasta isn’t sticking, then pop a lid on the pot. Let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally if you can, until the pasta is cooked al dente. The broth not only cooks the pasta but infuses it with meaty goodness that’s hard to beat.

Step 3: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is perfectly tender, turn off the heat and pour in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and freshly grated parmesan. Stir everything until the cheeses melt into the creamy sauce. Cover the pot again and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This rest time allows the flavors to meld together and helps the sauce thicken just right. When you serve it up, you’re rewarded with a bowl of silky, cheesy comfort that’s just begging for a second helping.

How to Serve Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this creamy beef pasta with extra freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil — the bright green adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness nicely. Sometimes, I’ll add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or even a few red pepper flakes if we want a little heat.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to serve with this are a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Garlic bread also makes a delightful companion and is always a hit with guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners, I keep it casual and serve straight from the pot, but for special occasions, plating individual servings in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of grated cheese and fresh herbs elevates the experience. I’ve even served this in mini pasta “nests” baked in muffin tins for parties — cute and convenient finger-food style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After a big family dinner, you’ll usually have leftovers, and this pasta keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe a few times, and while it’s best fresh, it does freeze well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it fully and portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I add a splash of broth or milk and warm it gently on the stove, stirring frequently to restore creaminess and prevent sticking. Microwaving works too, but stirring every minute or so helps keep it even.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe has become one of those all-time favorites in my home because it hits the perfect balance between comforting and easy. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of those cozy evenings spent chatting with family over a bowl of warm, cheesy goodness. If you give it a try, I’m confident it’ll earn a spot in your weekly dinner lineup just like it did in mine — and I can’t wait for you to experience just how delicious and satisfying it is!

Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 57 reviews

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned with shallots and garlic powder, then combined with rigatoni pasta and broth to cook all in one pot. Finished with heavy cream, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, this creamy pasta delivers rich, cheesy flavor with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 lb ground beef (grass-fed recommended)
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 1 lb dried short-cut pasta (rigatoni preferred)
• 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large stock pot or dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into crumbles with a wooden utensil. Cook until browned completely, about 6-7 minutes. Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
2. Sauté Shallots: Add the finely chopped shallot to the beef and stir together. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the shallots are softened and fragrant.
3. Cook Pasta in Broth: Add the dried rigatoni pasta and pour in the chicken or beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is fully cooked but still al dente.
4. Add Cream and Cheeses: Turn off the heat. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, shredded sharp cheddar, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to combine into a creamy sauce.
5. Let it Rest: Keep the pot covered and let the pasta rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Give the pasta a final stir, serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your comforting, cheesy one-pot meal!

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Notes

• You can substitute rigatoni with other short-cut pasta like penne or ziti.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat easily on the stovetop or microwave.
• Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end enhances freshness and flavor.
• Ensure to cook pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy during the resting phase.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 110mg