This creamy ground beef pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food made in just one pot. It’s packed with tender pasta shells, seasoned beef, and a luxurious cheese sauce that coats every bite. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a dependable go-to that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this stovetop creation requires minimal cleanup and ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s a hearty meal that’s kid-approved, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable add veggies, swap cheeses, or spice it up! In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a filling and flavorful meal on the table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups beef broth
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2 cups milk
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8 oz medium pasta shells
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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4 oz cream cheese
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1/2 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
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Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Stir in beef broth and milk, then add pasta shells. Bring to a gentle boil.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked.
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Stir in cheddar cheese, cream cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Remove from heat and let it sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 585 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Hearty Meal That Checks All the Boxes
When it comes to quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dinners, few dishes can match the magic of Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta. This one-pot wonder brings together the savory richness of ground beef, the creamy indulgence of cheese and milk, and the tender satisfaction of pasta all cooked together to create a dish that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.
In our fast-paced lives, having a go-to recipe that’s satisfying, time-efficient, and beloved by all ages is a true blessing. This dish captures that essence beautifully, making it a must-have in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, feeding a hungry family, or looking for a cozy dish to enjoy solo, this pasta delivers on all fronts.
Why This Recipe Works
This stovetop creamy beef pasta recipe works for several key reasons, making it a standout meal for both novice and experienced home cooks:
1. One Pot, Minimal Cleanup
Everything from browning the beef to cooking the pasta to melting the cheese happens in a single pan. That means fewer dishes to wash, less clutter in the kitchen, and more time to relax after dinner. It’s a win-win for anyone balancing a tight schedule or simply wanting to avoid post-meal chores.
2. Flavorful, Yet Simple
Despite its short ingredient list, the combination of garlic, onion, paprika, and cheddar cheese infuses the dish with layers of savory goodness. Ground beef brings its signature depth and richness, while the cream cheese adds a velvety texture that elevates the whole meal.
3. Perfect Texture
By cooking the pasta directly in the broth and milk, it absorbs more flavor than if it were boiled separately. This also allows the starches from the pasta to help naturally thicken the sauce, giving it a luxuriously creamy consistency without the need for added thickeners.
Ideal for Beginners and Busy Cooks
This recipe is especially friendly to beginner cooks. There’s no need to juggle multiple pots, complicated techniques, or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a straightforward method that teaches key culinary skills like sautéing, deglazing, and building flavor all in a stress-free, accessible way.
For busy parents, professionals, and students, the short prep and cook time (about 30 minutes total) makes this an ideal go-to recipe. With everything cooked together, you also save time on cleanup, which is essential after a long day.
Versatility and Variations
One of the best things about this creamy ground beef pasta is how customizable it is. Whether you’re trying to use up ingredients in the fridge, accommodate dietary preferences, or add a nutritional boost, here are a few popular variations:
1. Add Vegetables
Toss in chopped spinach, kale, or broccoli for added greens. Frozen peas or carrots also mix in well and add a pop of color. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini are great choices for those wanting a more veggie-forward version.
2. Swap the Protein
Ground beef is classic, but you can easily substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian option.
3. Use Different Cheese
While cheddar and cream cheese make the base creamy and tangy, you can play with mozzarella for extra stretch, pepper jack for a kick, or Parmesan for a sharp, nutty finish.
4. Add Heat
Like it spicy? Mix in red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce. This adds a depth of flavor and warmth that spice-lovers will appreciate.
5. Use Alternative Pasta
Gluten-free pasta, whole wheat shells, or even chickpea or lentil-based noodles can be substituted depending on your dietary needs. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly
Another benefit of this dish is that it stores and reheats well. It’s a fantastic choice for meal prep or make-ahead dinners. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating tips:
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For best results, reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
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You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
This makes it ideal not only for quick weeknight dinners but also for work lunches or lazy weekend meals.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate the dining experience with a few simple sides:
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Garlic Bread: The ultimate sidekick to pasta crusty, buttery, and perfect for scooping up every bit of sauce.
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Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with a vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish and adds some crunch.
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Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or cauliflower for a nutrient boost.
And don’t forget a glass of your favorite drink whether it’s iced tea, sparkling water, or a light red wine like Pinot Noir, it’s the perfect way to round out the meal.
Family Friendly and Kid Approved
Let’s be honest feeding picky eaters can be a struggle. But with this creamy beef pasta, you’re almost guaranteed smiles all around. The creamy, cheesy sauce and familiar pasta shape appeal to younger palates, while the seasoned beef satisfies the grown-ups at the table. It’s a meal that bridges the gap between comfort and convenience in the best way.
Plus, kids can help in the kitchen by measuring out cheese, stirring ingredients, or garnishing with parsley making dinner prep a family activity rather than a solo chore.
Budget Conscious and Pantry Friendly
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its cost-effectiveness. With just a handful of budget-friendly ingredients ground beef, pasta, cheese, and pantry seasonings you can create a hearty, satisfying dinner that feeds the whole family.
It’s an ideal option when you need to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing taste or nutrition. You can also buy in bulk and freeze portions for later use, making this dish as economical as it is delicious.
Conclusion:
In a world of ever-changing food trends and complex recipes, there’s something timeless about a dish like Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta. It’s not trying to be fancy or trendy it’s just genuinely good. It offers a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease of preparation, making it a staple for any household.
Whether you’re a student learning to cook, a parent looking for a family-friendly dinner, or someone simply craving a warm bowl of comfort, this recipe will serve you well time and time again.