Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe – Quick, Cheesy & Family Favorite
Creamy beef pasta has a special place in my kitchen. It’s quick, comforting, and so satisfying after a long day. With just a few staple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, cream, and cheddar, you can turn an ordinary dinner into a family favorite that gets requested again and again. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or cooking for two, this creamy beef pasta is your perfect go-to.
I still remember throwing this dish together on a rainy Tuesday, just grabbing what I had in the fridge ground beef, bowtie pasta, some cream. That first bite made everyone smile. And since then, creamy beef pasta has become a weeknight winner we return to often. It’s fast, it’s creamy, and it always hits the spot.
Table of Contents
How to Make Creamy Beef Pasta
Making creamy beef pasta doesn’t require much skill just one pot and about 30 minutes. Everything cooks together in a single skillet, and cleanup is just as easy as the cooking. It’s the kind of dinner you can rely on, especially when you’re low on time but want something homemade and filling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups bowtie pasta (uncooked)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy beef and bowtie pasta is a quick, comforting dinner made in one pot with seasoned beef, tender pasta, and a rich cheddar cream sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
½ medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp paprika
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups bowtie pasta, uncooked
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain grease if needed.
2. Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine and cook 1 more minute.
3. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Add uncooked bowtie pasta and stir well.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Once pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed, stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Use rotini, penne, or mini shells as a substitute for bowtie pasta.
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
This dish reheats well; add a splash of cream when reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the beef.
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Season and combine.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Now pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Add the uncooked bowtie pasta directly into the skillet and stir.
3. Simmer the pasta.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be tender, and most of the liquid absorbed.
4. Add the cheese.
Turn the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. The sauce should be smooth and coat the pasta beautifully.
5. Serve hot.
Garnish your creamy beef pasta with parsley or extra cheese, and serve immediately. It’s comfort in a bowl.
Why This Creamy Beef Pasta Works
This creamy beef pasta is a one-skillet wonder. The beef adds richness, the bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, and the cream plus cheese give it that irresistible texture. It’s flexible too substitute the pasta type, adjust spices, or sneak in veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
Need a spicier version? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Want it richer? Mix in cream cheese or a splash of tomato paste for more depth. However you tweak it, creamy beef pasta delivers.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftover creamy beef pasta stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce and stir gently over low heat. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between rounds.
More Creamy Dinners to Love
If this creamy beef pasta hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to check out more cozy meals from my kitchen. For another ultra-creamy twist, try this crowd-pleasing street corn chicken rice bowl that’s bursting with flavor. Or go for something hearty like my protein-packed ground beef sweet potato bowl
it’s comfort in every bite. You can also browse all Hot Honey Protein Bowl for weeknight heroes and creamy classics made with love.
Craving something cheesy, hearty, and ready in 30? This creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe checks all the boxes.
Creamy beef pasta is one of those meals that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, it brings everyone to the table with a smile.
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Thanks for being here see you in the next recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Beef Pasta
What is creamy beef pasta made of?
Creamy beef pasta is made from simple pantry staples: ground beef, pasta (usually bowtie), garlic, onion, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and beef broth. These ingredients come together in one skillet to create a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of bowtie?
Yes! While bowtie pasta (farfalle) holds the creamy sauce well, you can use penne, rotini, shells, or even fettuccine. Just make sure to adjust the simmer time slightly based on the pasta type you choose.
How do I keep creamy beef pasta from drying out?
To keep creamy beef pasta from drying out, add a bit of reserved pasta water or an extra splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much. When reheating, stir in a tablespoon of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
Can creamy beef and bowtie pasta be made ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a bit of cream or milk. While fresh is best, it still tastes great the next day.
