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When making a creamy ground beef pasta skillet, you want to gather some key ingredients. Here’s a simple list of what you need: - Ground Beef - Pasta Options (Penne or Rotini) - Aromatics (Onion and Garlic) - Broth and Dairy (Beef Broth and Heavy Cream) - Vegetables (Diced Tomatoes) - Seasoning (Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Pepper) - Cheese (Mozzarella) - Garnish (Fresh Parsley) Start with one pound of ground beef. It gives the dish a hearty base and adds rich flavor. Choose between penne or rotini pasta. These shapes hold the sauce well and make each bite delicious. You will need one small onion and two cloves of garlic. These add a nice aroma and depth to the dish. Use one cup of beef broth and one cup of heavy cream. These create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Add one cup of diced tomatoes. They bring freshness and balance to the richness of the beef and cream. Include one tablespoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. This blend enhances the overall flavor. You will need one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. It melts beautifully, adding creaminess to the dish. Finish with fresh parsley, chopped. This brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. With these ingredients, you're set for a tasty meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. 2. Add the ground beef. 3. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. 4. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes. 5. Carefully drain any excess fat for a lighter dish. 1. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. 2. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. 3. Stir often until the onion turns soft and smells great. 1. Stir in uncooked pasta, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. 2. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. 3. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. 1. Increase the heat to bring the mix to a gentle boil. 2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. 3. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. 4. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. 5. Check that the pasta is al dente. 1. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. 2. Let it simmer uncovered for 3-4 minutes. 3. This helps the sauce become thicker. 4. Add shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until melted. 1. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. 2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color. 3. Serve straight from the pan or in bowls. 4. A drizzle of olive oil or extra cheese makes it even better. Enjoy with garlic bread! When cooking your ground beef, make sure to brown it well. This step adds great flavor to your dish. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly. After browning, drain off any extra fat. This keeps your meal lighter and healthier. While the pasta simmers, stir it every few minutes. This keeps the pasta from sticking together or to the pan. Stirring helps to mix in the flavors, too. If you want a lighter dish, swap heavy cream for milk or a plant-based milk. You can also use Greek yogurt for creaminess without added fat. This still keeps your meal rich and tasty. For cheese, mozzarella is great, but you can try others too. Cheddar adds a sharp taste, while cream cheese can make it even richer. Mix different cheeses to find your favorite flavor combo. To speed up your prep, use pre-chopped vegetables. Many stores sell fresh or frozen options. This saves time and makes cooking easier. This recipe is a one-pan wonder. You cook everything in one skillet, which makes cleanup quick and simple. Enjoy your creamy ground beef pasta without the fuss! Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Penne or rotini are ideal for this dish as their shapes help the sauce cling better, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Use Low-Sodium Broth: Opting for low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish, making it easier to season to your taste. Stir Occasionally: During the simmering phase, make sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Garnish for Freshness: Adding freshly chopped parsley not only enhances the dish's appearance but also adds a burst of fresh flavor that balances the creaminess. {{image_4}} You can easily swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken. Both options keep the dish light and flavorful. If you want a vegetarian meal, try using mushrooms or lentils. They add good texture and protein. Feel free to play with different sauces. You can use alfredo sauce for a rich, creamy taste. Marinara sauce adds a nice tomato flavor. Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream to match your taste. Want to boost the flavor? Add more veggies! Spinach and bell peppers work well. You can also mix in spices and herbs for a unique twist. Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat or fresh basil for freshness. These little changes can turn a simple dish into something special. To keep your creamy ground beef pasta skillet fresh, store leftovers right away. Place the pasta in airtight containers. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. It's best to refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Use shallow containers for quick cooling. This also prevents bacteria growth. Glass or plastic containers work well for storage. Choose ones that seal tightly. These containers help preserve the creamy texture. Label your containers with the date. This way, you know when to use them by. When reheating, you can use either the stovetop or microwave. The stovetop method is best for keeping the dish creamy. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. This helps to warm the pasta evenly without drying it out. The microwave is quicker but may dry out the cream. If you choose this method, use a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy. Cover the bowl to trap steam and heat evenly. To keep the sauce nice and creamy, add a little milk or cream when reheating. Stir well to combine. This will help restore the smooth texture. Avoid overheating, as this can cause separation. You can freeze the creamy ground beef pasta skillet if you have lots left over. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, use the microwave on the defrost setting. After thawing, reheat as mentioned earlier. Add a bit of milk or cream to keep it creamy. Enjoy your meal later without losing that rich taste! You can use half-and-half for a lighter option. It gives a nice creaminess but with less fat. Greek yogurt is another great choice. It adds creaminess and protein. For dairy-free options, try coconut milk. Almond milk can also work, but it may be thinner. To add heat, try crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste. You can also use diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Add them when you sauté the onion and garlic. For more flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of beef. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Cook the beef and veggies, then cool them. Store in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, just cook the pasta and combine everything. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick. This recipe combines ground beef, pasta, and rich flavors to create a satisfying meal. You can customize it with various proteins, sauces, and veggies. Follow the clear steps to achieve creamy perfection, and don't forget to store leftovers properly. Simple tips help enhance flavors, making each bite enjoyable. Explore different variations, and don't hesitate to adapt it to your taste. Cooking should be fun, and with this dish, you can impress your family and friends with ease. Enjoy every bite of your delicious pasta skillet masterpiece!

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring ground beef, pasta, and a rich sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, using a wooden spoon to gently break it apart. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, carefully drain off any excess fat.
  • To the skillet with the cooked beef, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté together for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion turns soft and translucent.
  • Next, stir in the uncooked pasta, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Ensure that the pasta is completely submerged in the liquid.
  • Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow it to simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
  • Once the pasta is tender, slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuously stirring to combine fully. Let this simmer uncovered for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir meticulously until the cheese has melted and the dish has a creamy consistency.
  • Taste the pasta skillet and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.
  • For the final touch, garnish the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve with crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
Keyword beef, creamy, easy, pasta, skillet