Best Creamy Beef Pasta
This creamy beef pasta is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners. It features perfectly browned ground beef, aromatic garlic, and Italian herbs, all embraced by a creamy, savory sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
Equipment
- Large skillet or pot
- Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pasta pot
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup milk or cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and cream of mushroom soup. Stir well to combine.
- Add the milk or cream, Parmesan cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
Notes
Don't overcook the pasta; aim for al dente. Brown the beef well for rich flavor. Customize the sauce with different herbs and spices like dried oregano or basil. Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies. For a cheesier dish, stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese at the end. For variations, add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for a spicy dish, sauté sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or stir in pesto for fresh herby flavor. You can prepare the beef and sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.