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Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Delight

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Delight

Comforting, saucy, and weeknight-simple, this creamy ground beef pasta is loaded with flavor and melts together beautifully. Tender pasta, savory beef, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce make every bite irresistible.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz dry short pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef 85–90% lean
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1.75 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup frozen peas optional
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta water as needed

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Boil salted water. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water; drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Crumble in beef; brown well.
  • Spoon off excess fat if needed. Add onion; cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper. Cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
  • Mix in tomato paste. Cook, stirring, until darkened and sticky, 2 minutes.
  • Pour in broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire. Scrape pan; simmer until slightly thick, 5 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and butter; simmer until silky.
  • Sprinkle in mozzarella and half the Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.
  • Fold in pasta and peas. Splash reserved water as needed to loosen sauce.
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve topped with remaining Parmesan and parsley.

Notes

Variation: Swap peas for baby spinach or sliced mushrooms. Try a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Serving/Storage: Garnish with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Delight flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.