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Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

This hearty pasta combines seasoned ground beef with rotini in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Topped with melted cheddar, it's a filling meal ready in under 30 minutes.

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Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:36:14 GMT
A close-up of a bowl of spiral pasta mixed with a creamy tomato sauce and ground meat, garnished with fresh parsley.
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A close-up of a bowl of spiral pasta mixed with a creamy tomato sauce and ground meat, garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of spiral pasta mixed with a creamy tomato sauce and ground meat, garnished with fresh parsley. | quickierecipe.com

Looking for the perfect weeknight dinner? This Creamy Ground Beef Pasta has saved countless meals in my kitchen. When I need something quick that'll make everyone happy this is my go-to recipe. The tender pasta swirled in a velvety tomato cream sauce with savory ground beef hits all the right notes and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.

A Recipe You'll Make Again and Again

After years of cooking for my family I've learned that simple recipes are often the best. This pasta dish has become our favorite comfort meal because it's so effortless yet incredibly satisfying. I love that I can throw it together in one pot and even better it works with whatever pasta is sitting in my pantry. The leftovers taste amazing and it's perfect for those busy weeks when cooking feels overwhelming.

What You'll Need

  • Rotini Pasta: My family loves how the spirals catch all that creamy sauce but any short pasta works beautifully.
  • Ground Beef: Makes this dish filling and flavorful.
  • Spices: My secret blend of garlic powder Italian seasoning and smoked paprika.
  • Tomato Sauce: Creates that gorgeous sauce base.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Transforms everything into pure silk.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Brings that irresistible cheesy goodness.

Kitchen Magic in Minutes

Start with Pasta
Cook until just tender then set aside.
Create the Sauce
Brown your beef with spices and flour then stir in tomato sauce and broth until it thickens up nicely.
Make it Creamy
Pour in that heavy cream add your pasta and watch the cheese melt into pure heaven.
Time to Eat
Grab some garlic bread or toss a quick salad while it's still hot and bubbly.

My Favorite Cooking Tips

Sometimes I use ground turkey when we're keeping things light. Play around with different cheese combos I love mixing in sharp cheddar with mozzarella. That smoked paprika makes everything taste amazing but regular works fine too. When you reheat leftovers add a splash of cream to bring back that silky texture.

Mix It Up

We love this pasta with a big side of roasted broccoli or my quick garlic bread recipe. Lately I've been tossing in handfuls of fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra goodness. It's become our favorite Sunday dinner but honestly it works any night of the week.

A close-up of a dish of rotini pasta mixed with ground beef and topped with melted cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
A close-up of a dish of rotini pasta mixed with ground beef and topped with melted cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, any medium-sized pasta works well. Try penne, shells, or fusilli - just cook according to package times.

→ How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Add cream after removing from heat and stir constantly. Keep temperature low when mixing and don't let it boil after adding dairy.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

While best fresh, you can reheat it gently with a splash of cream or milk. Stir often to keep the sauce smooth.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half works but makes a thinner sauce. For best results, stick with heavy cream for the right texture.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Cream sauces can separate when frozen. If freezing, reheat slowly with extra cream to restore the texture.

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

A quick pasta dish mixing tender rotini with seasoned ground beef in a creamy tomato sauce. Ready in 30 minutes for an easy family dinner.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Dinner

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (1 skillet)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 10 ounces rotini pasta.
02 1 pound ground beef.
03 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
04 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
05 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika.
06 ½ teaspoon salt.
07 ½ teaspoon black pepper.
08 2 tablespoons flour.
09 1 cup beef broth.
10 15 ounces tomato sauce.
11 ¾ cup heavy cream.
12 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook pasta following box directions, drain and set aside.

Step 02

Brown beef in skillet until done, drain extra fat, and return to pan.

Step 03

Add seasonings and flour, cook 1-2 minutes, and mix well.

Step 04

Pour in broth and tomato sauce, bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer 5-7 minutes until thicker.

Step 05

Mix in cream and pasta, remove from heat, add cheese until melted, serve hot.

Notes

  1. Quick weeknight dinner.
  2. Ready in 30 minutes.
  3. Kid-friendly meal.
  4. One-pan recipe.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Pasta pot.
  • Colander.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream, cheese).
  • Wheat (pasta, flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 696
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 53 g
  • Protein: 40 g