Thank you so much for stopping by! It truly means a lot to share this recipe with you. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student learning to cook, or just someone who loves a comforting homemade dinner at the end of a long day, this Creamy Beef Pasta Dinner is about to become one of your favorites. I’ve made it more times than I can count, and it never disappoints.

This one-pot wonder is rich, garlicky, and coated in a silky cream sauce. It’s packed with tender pasta and savory ground beef, and the best part? It all comes together in one pan. That’s right—less mess, more flavor, and maximum satisfaction. If you’re looking for something that tastes like a hug in a bowl, keep reading. You’re in the right place.

What Is Creamy Beef Pasta?

Creamy Beef Pasta is the kind of recipe that brings comfort to the table without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s a simple combination of pasta, ground beef, garlic, and seasonings, simmered in a flavorful broth and finished with heavy cream and cheese. Everything cooks in one pan, meaning the pasta soaks up all the goodness from the broth and beef as it simmers.

This dish takes inspiration from Italian flavors but adapts them into an easy, weeknight-friendly dinner. It’s like a shortcut version of a creamy beef lasagna or a baked ziti but without the layering or baking. It has that nostalgic, comforting vibe we crave after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s reliable. You don’t have to be a kitchen pro to make it, and it never fails to please even the pickiest eaters. Here are just a few reasons it’s one of my weeknight staples:

One-pot simplicity means minimal cleanup
Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
Family-friendly and kid-approved
Packed with flavor and easy to customize
Satisfying and filling enough to serve as a full meal

What Does Creamy Beef Pasta Taste Like?

Imagine this: tender pasta that’s been slowly simmered in beef broth, absorbing all the umami flavor from the browned ground beef. It’s infused with garlic, herbs, and just the right amount of creaminess. Then comes the cheese—mozzarella or Parmesan melted right into the sauce for that perfect stretch and richness.

The sauce is silky but not too heavy. The garlic hits first, followed by the deep, savory beef, and it finishes with that luscious creamy texture that makes you want to go back for seconds—and thirds. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a flavor profile that’s bold, hearty, and deeply satisfying.

The Many Benefits of Creamy Beef Pasta

Beyond taste and ease, there are some practical perks too:

You probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen
It reheats well for leftovers, making it great for meal prep
It can easily be doubled to serve a crowd
It’s budget-friendly and doesn’t require specialty items
It’s incredibly versatile—swap out ingredients based on what you have

Whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or just yourself, this dish scales beautifully and delivers every time.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2½ cups penne pasta (or any short pasta)
3 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make this dish:

Large skillet or Dutch oven (deep enough to cook pasta and sauce together)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board for the garlic and parsley

This recipe really is as simple as it gets. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together without stress, even on your busiest days.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

Part of what makes this recipe such a staple is its flexibility. Here are some ways to switch things up:

Swap the beef for ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or plant-based meat alternatives
Use rotini, rigatoni, shells, or elbows in place of penne
Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or chopped zucchini for extra nutrients
Swap the mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or a cheese blend
Use milk or half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version
Add a splash of white wine to the pan before adding the pasta for extra depth

I’ve made versions of this recipe with leftover taco meat, frozen spinach stirred in, and even spicy sausage—and it’s always delicious. I promised you versatile, and I meant it!

How to Make Creamy Beef Pasta Step by Step

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating your skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

Reduce the heat slightly and add the butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in the garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden. This step infuses the beef with deep, aromatic flavor that will carry through the entire dish.

Step 3: Add the Pasta

Pour in the uncooked pasta and the beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. The pasta will start to absorb the seasoned broth, soaking up all that flavor while it cooks.

Step 4: Simmer the Pasta

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 12–14 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and keep an eye on the liquid. You want the pasta to be tender and most of the broth absorbed by the time it’s done.

Step 5: Make it Creamy

Once the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly reduced, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Let it simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens to a silky texture. If it looks too thick, you can add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot. You can top each portion with extra cheese or a dash of crushed red pepper if you like a little heat.

What to Serve with Creamy Beef Pasta

This pasta is a full meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round things out, here are a few simple and delicious pairings:

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette for contrast
Garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping into that creamy sauce
Roasted or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing sip

And if you’re planning a comfort food night, why not serve this alongside a fun appetizer or a second main? You could try these reader-favorite recipes that pair beautifully:

Taco Stuffed Shells: These are bold, cheesy, and make a fantastic side-by-side with creamy pasta.
Air Fryer Cheeseburger Wraps: Quick, fun, and perfect if you want to serve a variety of comfort bites.
Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven: For the ultimate comfort dinner, pair this creamy pasta with crispy oven-fried chicken.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta

Use beef broth instead of water—it adds a depth of flavor you don’t want to miss
Stir the pasta regularly during cooking so it doesn’t stick to the bottom
Add cream and cheese at the end for the best texture and consistency
Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is perfect so it doesn’t get mushy
Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder, for the most aromatic base

If you follow these tips, you’ll end up with pasta that’s perfectly creamy, seasoned, and satisfying every time.

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you—this dish keeps really well!

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to rehydrate the sauce
Freeze: While you can freeze it, cream sauces sometimes separate when thawed. It’s better fresh, but still okay from the freezer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make it a day in advance and reheat before serving. Just add a little cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes! Mozzarella is mild and melty, but Parmesan adds saltiness and sharpness. A mix of both is delicious, or try cheddar for a more American-style flavor.

How can I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic, or stir in a bit of hot sauce before serving.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, rotini, or even elbow macaroni hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the broth.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter, a plant-based cream, and dairy-free cheese. It won’t be quite the same, but still rich and flavorful.

Conclusion: A Weeknight Winner You’ll Make Again and Again

This Creamy Beef Pasta Dinner is the kind of recipe that earns a spot in your weekly rotation. It’s quick, satisfying, endlessly adaptable, and downright delicious. Whether you’re feeding kids, roommates, or just looking for a no-fuss comfort meal for yourself, this dish delivers every time.

It’s cozy, it’s creamy, it’s deeply flavorful—and it all happens in one pot. That’s a win by any standard. So next time you’re wondering what to make with ground beef and a box of pasta, you know what to do.

And don’t forget to explore these other comfort food winners while you’re at it:

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Leave a comment with your thoughts or any creative tweaks you made, and if you’re feeling proud of your creation, don’t be shy—share a photo on Pinterest or tag it on Instagram!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 520
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

Creamy Beef Pasta Dinner: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food Delight

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Beef Pasta Dinner is your new weeknight hero! Made in just one pot, it’s rich, garlicky, and ultra comforting—loaded with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a silky, cheesy cream sauce. Cozy, quick, and anything but boring!! Perfect for feeding the whole family or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2½ cups penne pasta (uncooked)
3 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Reduce heat slightly and add butter, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in uncooked pasta, then pour in the beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
Lower heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese. Let simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and turns silky.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, meltier finish—pre-shredded cheese can be a little grainy.
You can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or sausage if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
Want to sneak in some veggies? Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during step 2.
Leftovers keep beautifully! Store in the fridge up to 4 days, and reheat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Not a fan of penne? Rotini, elbows, or shells work just as well. Just keep an eye on cooking times.