Creamy Beef Pasta

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A hearty, comforting meal packed with tender ground beef, cheesy cream sauce, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners and will quickly become a favorite.

Flavor-Packed and Easy-to-Make

This creamy beef pasta recipe combines the savory richness of browned beef with a luscious cheese and tomato-based sauce. The rotini pasta’s spiral shape holds onto every bit of the sauce, making every bite deliciously creamy and satisfying. It’s a wonderful balance of comforting textures and bold flavors, enhanced with Italian herbs and a touch of spice if you like.

Ingredients (All US Measurements)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to heat preference)

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce

  • 1 cup beef broth

  • 1 pound rotini pasta

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

  • Optional: fresh or dried parsley for garnish

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 25 minutes

  • Total time: 40 minutes

  • Servings: 6-8

  • Calories: Approximately 700 kcal per serving

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef

  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  • Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic to avoid bitterness.

  • Increase heat to medium-high, then add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.

  • Cook for about 8-10 minutes until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.

2. Create the Sauce Base

  • Sprinkle ¼ cup all-purpose flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir well to coat the meat and onions. This will help thicken the sauce.

  • Cook the flour-coated beef for 1-2 minutes to get rid of any raw flour taste.

  • Slowly pour in 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce and 1 cup beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

  • Add 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional). Stir well.

  • Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

3. Cook the Pasta

  • While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  • Add 1 pound rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).

  • Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water. Set aside.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the beef sauce.

  • Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese. Mix gently but thoroughly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

  • If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you achieve your desired consistency.

5. Final Adjustments and Serving

  • Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt or pepper to suit your taste.

  • Optionally, sprinkle fresh or dried parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

  • Serve immediately while warm for the best creamy, cheesy experience.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Beef Pasta

  • Use sharp cheddar for a flavorful, melty cheese. A good quality cheddar gives the sauce richness and depth.

  • Day-old pasta works well too! If you have leftover pasta, this recipe is perfect for reheating. Just add a splash of cream or broth to bring back creaminess.

  • Don’t skip reserving pasta water. The starchy pasta water is magic for loosening sauces without diluting flavor.

  • Add veggies for extra nutrition. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be stirred in when you add the tomato sauce for added texture and vitamins.

  • Customize spice level. Omit or add more crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference for heat.

  • Double the sauce for leftovers. If you want more sauce to enjoy later, just double the tomato sauce, broth, and cream.

Nutritional Notes

This recipe is satisfying and nutrient-dense, providing a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and fats. With about 700 calories per serving, it’s filling enough for dinner but can also be portioned for leftovers or meal prep.

Variations to Try

  • Italian Sausage Swap: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier, more herbaceous flavor.

  • Four-Cheese Blend: Mix mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone with cheddar for a cheesy explosion.

  • Creamy Tomato Basil: Add fresh basil and a splash of white wine for an elevated flavor.

  • Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef and sauté the onions, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker for a hands-off meal.

Final Thoughts

This creamy beef pasta hits every note you want in comfort food: creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and filling. It’s a fantastic go-to recipe for weeknights or casual gatherings, and the ingredients are easy to find. Plus, it’s super adaptable to your taste and dietary preferences. Make it your own and enjoy the rich flavors that will satisfy the whole family.

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