Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is exactly what came to the rescue on one of those nights—you know the kind. I was staring blankly into my fridge, hungry but definitely not in the mood to summon my inner Michelin chef. All I had was some ground beef, pasta, and an intense craving for something creamy, cozy, and easy. And just like that, this recipe was born—one pot, zero drama, and enough flavor to make me do a little happy dance right there by the stove.

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it to be this good. But after that first bite? Oh, baby. The sauce was velvety, the beef was perfectly seasoned, and every pasta piece was hugged in a rich, cheesy embrace. Since then, this dish has been on serious rotation in our kitchen.

Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to whip up this magic in your own kitchen—complete with smart tips, personal tricks, and flavor-packed variation ideas. Let’s dive into our new favorite comfort food, shall we?

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe

Let me count the ways this recipe will steal your heart (and your dinner plate):

• One-Pot Magic: No pile of dishes to tackle after dinner. Everything cooks in one cozy pot.

• Speedy Goodness: From fridge to table in about 30 minutes flat.

• Creamy Dreamy Sauce: Thanks to a little cream cheese love and a splash of heavy cream.

• Family-Approved: Even my picky eaters went back for seconds (and thirds!).

• Wallet-Friendly: Budget-friendly ingredients that feel fancy.

• Fully Customizable: Want spice? Add it. Want veggies? Go wild.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: It reheats beautifully for easy lunches or leftovers.

And if you’re all about one-pot beefy dinners like me, you’ve got to try this beef and noodles crockpot recipe or the juicy stuffed pasta shells with ground beef—both are major crowd-pleasers!

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Work)

Here’s what you’ll need to build your bowl of comfort:

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz short pasta (penne, shells, rotini—whatever’s in your pantry)

• Salted water (don’t skip this, it flavors the pasta!)

For the Sauce:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 are perfect)

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced (I always go heavy on garlic—no regrets!)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste (for depth and a slight tang)

• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium, so you control the salt)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or you can use half-and-half for a lighter option)

• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed (the creamy MVP)

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Red pepper flakes, optional (for a kick!)

Optional Add-ins:

• Baby spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes…you name it!

Ingredient Note: Always, always use fresh Parmesan if you can. Pre-shredded just doesn’t melt the same way—and this sauce deserves that silky texture.

What You’ll Need (Gear-wise)

Keep it simple with these kitchen tools:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven

• Wooden spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Ladle (for those generous pasta scoops)

• Colander

How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Here’s how we do it—just seven simple steps between you and creamy pasta bliss:

• Boil That Pasta:
  Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta just shy of al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the box says. Drain and set aside.

• Brown the Beef:
  In your skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until fully browned (no pink!). Break it up as it cooks. Drain the grease if needed.

• Build Flavor:
  Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, seasoning, and paprika. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to wake up those flavors.

• Make It Creamy:
  Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a low simmer. Then, toss in your cream cheese cubes and stir until melted and smooth.

• Cheese It Up:
  Stir in the Parmesan until fully melted. By now your kitchen smells incredible.

• Bring It Together:
  Add the cooked pasta and stir well. Let it all simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the sauce thickens and hugs every noodle.

• Final Touches:
  Taste, season with salt and pepper if needed, and toss in your extras like spinach or herbs. Then, it’s time to serve (and maybe sneak a bite straight from the pot—no judgment).

Tips for Creamy Pasta Perfection

Here’s what I’ve learned after making this way too many times (for research!):

• Use room temp cream cheese to prevent clumps.

• Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is the goal.

• Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

• Grate your own cheese for the creamiest finish.

• Add veggies last so they don’t overcook.

Fun Twists & Tasty Variations

Make it your own with these easy swaps:

• Spicy Kick: Stir in hot sauce, jalapeños, or cayenne.

• Cheesy Bomb: Add mozzarella or sharp cheddar for an ultra-cheesy bite.

• Healthy Boost: Stir in kale, spinach, or bell peppers.

• Protein Swap: Ground turkey or sausage totally works.

• Herb Boost: Fresh basil or oregano at the end gives it a bright finish.

Want something with a totally different flavor vibe? You’ll love these Korean beef bulgogi bowls. Spicy, sweet, and amazing with rice!

What to Serve It With

This pasta is a full meal, but if you’re going all out:

• Garlic bread (because carbs on carbs = happiness)

• Crisp salad with vinaigrette

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

• Store: Store in a sealed container in the fridge for as long as 4 days.

• Reheat: Microwave with a splash of milk or broth, or gently warm on the stove.

• Freeze? Eh, not ideal. Cream sauces don’t freeze well—they tend to separate.

FAQ: Your Creamy Pasta Questions Answered

Can I make this stovetop creamy ground beef pasta ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently with a little milk.

Can I use frozen ground beef?
Sure—just thaw it completely before browning so it cooks evenly.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. They trap the sauce perfectly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as is, but you can totally use gluten-free pasta and make sure your broth and seasonings are certified GF.

How do I lighten it up?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, low-fat cream cheese, and ground turkey instead of beef.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just use a bigger pot and give everything a little more simmer time.

Let’s Eat! (And Chat in the Comments)

There’s something magical about a dish that brings everyone to the table, seconds in hand, and smiles all around. This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta does just that—and does it without turning your kitchen into a war zone.

If you make it, I’d love to hear about it! Drop your thoughts, twists, or genius add-ins in the comments below. And if this cozy bowl of creamy joy made your day a little easier (and tastier), leave a star rating and share it with your favorite foodies.

Need more beefy goodness in your life? Treat yourself to these beef enchiladas next—they’re spicy, cheesy, and oh-so satisfying.

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is the ultimate one-pot comfort food—rich, easy, family-friendly, and ready in just 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:20 minutes mins

Total Time:30 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer/Main

Cuisine: American

Keyword: one pot creamy beef pasta, quick ground beef pasta skillet, tovetop creamy ground beef pasta

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients

• 12 oz short pasta penne, shells, or rotini
• Salted water for boiling pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef 80/20 or 90/10
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth low-sodium preferred
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 4 oz cream cheese cubed
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese fresh is best
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/2 cup cooked mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

• Boil the pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
• Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
• Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Add cream cheese cubes and stir until melted and smooth.
• Mix in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and sauce becomes creamy.
• Add cooked pasta into the sauce and stir until well coated. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in optional veggies if using. Serve warm, topped with more cheese or herbs if desired.

Notes

• Save ½ cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for quicker melting.
• For spice, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a burst of freshness before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully with a splash of milk.

Until next time—happy cooking, happy eating, and may your pasta always be creamy!