Description
Whip up a satisfying and protein-rich meal in under 30 minutes with this easy Creamy Beef Pasta recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. Flavorful, comforting, and simple to make!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup milk (whole milk or 2% for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
- 2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- 3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4. Pour in diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- 5. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and flour (or cornstarch) until smooth to create a slurry.
- 6. Gradually whisk the milk/flour mixture into the simmering sauce. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- 7. Add drained pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
- 8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave, stirring halfway through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g