QUICK CREAMY BEEF PASTA

Craving a bowl of pure comfort that comes together in under 30 minutes? Imagine twirling your fork through tender pasta coated in a luscious, creamy sauce, studded with savory ground beef. This Creamy Beef Pasta is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers, and I promise, it’s so simple, even the busiest cook can nail it!

The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta Power

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)

Beefy Goodness

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Creamy, Dreamy Sauce

• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins (Because Why Not?)

• 1/2 cup frozen peas (adds a pop of color and freshness)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (for a little kick)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Pasta Perfection

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta well and set aside. Don’t rinse it unless you’re not using it right away, otherwise the sauce won’t cling as well.

Step 2: Beef It Up!

1. While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy pasta!
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now.

Step 3: Sauce Magic

1. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream (if using), Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until heated through and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t let it boil, or the sauce might separate.

Step 4: Pasta Party!

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and beef mixture.
2. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If you’re using peas, add them now and stir them in.
3. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired.
2. Get ready for some serious comfort food bliss!

Tips & Tricks for Creamy Beef Pasta Success

Beefing Up Your Beef

Want to take your ground beef to the next level? Try using a blend of ground beef and ground Italian sausage for extra flavor. Or, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce while browning the beef for a deeper, richer taste.

Sauce SOS: Troubleshooting Tips

Is your sauce too thick? Add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Is it too thin? Simmer it for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens up. A little cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) can also work wonders if you’re in a hurry.

Pasta Alternatives

Don’t have penne or rotini on hand? No problem! This recipe works well with just about any type of pasta, including bowties (farfalle), shells (conchiglie), or even elbow macaroni. For a heartier meal, consider using whole wheat pasta.

Veggie Power

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Sauté some chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach along with the onion and garlic. They’ll add nutrients and flavor to your Creamy Beef Pasta.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Spicy Creamy Beef Pasta

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat. Or, use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Cheesy Creamy Beef Pasta

Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy experience. You might also enjoy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole if you are a cheese lover.

Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

Add a can of diced tomatoes (drained) to the sauce for a tangy twist. A tablespoon of tomato paste will also enrich the flavor.

Creamy Ranch Beef Pasta

Mix in a packet of ranch dressing mix to your dish for a zesty twist! For a similar flavor profile, check out this Ranch Beef & Cheddar Macaroni Melt.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Beef Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side salad or some garlic bread. For a truly decadent experience, top it with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

If you are in the mood for more beef and pasta combinations, you could try Beef Pasta or even Ultimate Beef And Noodles.

For a richer taste with some beef, you might consider this Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Creamy Spaghetti.

Storing & Reheating Tips

Leftover Creamy Beef Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. It might not be *quite* as creamy as the first day, but it’ll still be delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? This Creamy Beef Pasta is quick, easy, comforting, and totally customizable. It’s the perfect weeknight meal for busy families, picky eaters, and anyone who’s craving a bowl of pure, unadulterated deliciousness. So go ahead, give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!