why make this recipe
Creamy Beef Pasta is a delightful dish that combines hearty ingredients in a smooth, rich sauce. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The blend of ground beef, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.
how to make Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing
Directions:
- Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
how to serve Creamy Beef Pasta
Creamy Beef Pasta is best served warm. You can serve it in bowls, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor and color. It pairs well with garlic bread or a simple side salad to complete your meal.
how to store Creamy Beef Pasta
To store Creamy Beef Pasta, ensure it cools to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Creamy Beef Pasta
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and make the dish lighter.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, for extra nutrition.
- If you want a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream and pasta water to get your preferred sauce thickness.
variation
You can use different types of pasta, such as rigatoni or fusilli, instead of penne. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and use low-fat cream. Adding other herbs, like basil or oregano, can give the dish a different flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can substitute other types of cheese like mozzarella or even cheddar if you prefer a different flavor.
Q: Is this recipe easy to double?
A: Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook in batches.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or skip it altogether and add more vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 8 oz penne pasta Can substitute with rigatoni or fusilli.
- 1 lb lean ground beef Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream Adjust for thickness preferences.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Feel free to add red pepper flakes for heat.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Substitute with mozzarella or cheddar if desired.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
Combining Ingredients
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.