Creamy Beef Pasta: Weeknight Comfort Meal (Print Version)

Creamy Beef Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish. Discover my family's favorite, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy evenings. Simple ingredients, big taste!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
05 - 1.5 cups beef broth

→ Dairy & Pasta

06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 12 oz short pasta (e.g., penne, rotini)

→ Finishing Touches

08 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (plus more for serving)
09 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

→ Seasonings & Spices

10 - Salt & black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First up, get that ground beef into a hot pan. I like to break it up with a spoon, watching it sizzle and turn golden brown. Don't be afraid to let it get a little crispy; those browned bits add so much depth to the sauce. Drain off any excess fat; I usually just tilt the pan and spoon it out, trying not to make a huge mess on the counter. This step is about building that foundational flavor, so take your time and enjoy the aroma starting to fill your kitchen.
02 - Once the beef is done, toss in your chopped onion and garlic. Oh, the smell! It's that moment when your kitchen starts to feel truly alive. Sauté them until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant – but don't let it burn, I've done that before, and it makes everything bitter, ugh. Stir in the tomato paste for a minute or two; it helps deepen its flavor, a trick I learned from a little old Italian lady's cookbook.
03 - Pour in the beef broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called 'deglazing,' and it's where all the magic happens for your sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where the sauce really starts to come alive, thickening slightly and getting all rich and inviting. I usually stand there, stirring, just enjoying the anticipation.
04 - While your sauce is simmering, get a big pot of salted water boiling for your pasta. And I mean *salted* water – it should taste like the ocean, honestly. Cook your pasta according to package directions until it's al dente. This is where I always forget to salt the water the first time, then remember halfway through. Oops! Reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; it's liquid gold for our sauce.
05 - Now for the star of the show: the heavy cream! Reduce the heat to low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until it's fully incorporated and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and luscious. This is the moment this dish truly earns its name. If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Don't rush this part; let that cream work its magic.
06 - Finally, add your cooked pasta and most of the Parmesan cheese to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is beautifully coated. Taste and adjust seasonings – maybe a little more salt, a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. It should look vibrant and inviting, and the smell? Oh, the smell is just pure comfort. Enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Personal cooking tip I've learned through experience: Always toast your tomato paste for a minute to deepen its flavor.
02 - Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: Store sauce and pasta separately for best leftover texture.
03 - Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: Italian sausage instead of ground beef adds a great kick.
04 - Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - large pot
03 - wooden spoon

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 40g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g

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