Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
A delightful dish enveloped in a rich, velvety texture with savory flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef The star of the dish, adds heartiness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For a rich, aromatic base.
- 1 small onion, diced Brings depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds robust aroma and taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Brings earthy, herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil Complementing oregano with sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Essential for balancing flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For a gentle hint of spice.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes Brings freshness to the sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth Ties all flavors together.
- 1 cup heavy cream Provides a luscious, creamy finish.
- 8 oz penne pasta Perfect for catching sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds richness to the final dish.
Instructions
Cooking
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the olive oil and ground beef to the skillet.
- Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- While the beef mixture simmers, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- Once the beef mixture has simmered, stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture.
- Stir until pasta is well coated in the creamy beef sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For a healthier alternative, consider using lean ground beef or turkey and adding vegetables. This dish is customizable with different pasta shapes and can be made ahead of time. Freezes well without pasta.