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Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 138 reviews

This Irresistible Creamy Beef Pasta combines tender ground beef with a rich, creamy marinara sauce and perfectly cooked rigatoni or penne pasta. With a delightful blend of sautéed onions, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, this comforting dish is enhanced with fresh herbs and offers a quick yet satisfying meal ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended for best flavor)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta & Sauce

  • 16 oz rigatoni or penne pasta (1 box)
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (1 jar, good quality without added sugar)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (full-fat)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (freshly grated preferred)

Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain pasta using a colander and set aside without rinsing to preserve starch for sauce binding.
  2. Sauté Onions: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet or 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, enhancing flavor depth.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned. If beef is higher than 85% lean, drain excess fat leaving about 1 tablespoon; for leaner beef, no draining needed.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it to maintain a balanced flavor profile.
  5. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce and beef flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the back of a spoon perfectly.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating. If the sauce is too thick, gently add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve: Plate the creamy beef pasta immediately, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley for a bright finishing touch and enhanced aroma.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use ground beef with 85% lean to maintain moisture and richness.
  • Do not rinse pasta after draining to keep the starch that helps thicken the sauce.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, reserved pasta water helps loosen it while maintaining creaminess.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances flavor compared to pre-grated options.
  • Optional fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a vibrant touch and fresh aroma but can be omitted if desired.

Find it online: https://mealsbykate.com/creamy-beef-pasta-recipe/