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- 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or penne pasta - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream - 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth - 1/2 cup (50 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) To make creamy beef pasta, you need a few key ingredients. First, choose your pasta. I like fettuccine or penne for this dish. They hold the sauce well and add a nice bite. Next, ground beef is the star of the show. Use fresh beef for the best flavor. Aromatics like onion and garlic add depth. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic for even cooking. For the creamy sauce, heavy cream is a must. It gives the dish richness. Add beef broth for extra flavor and a smooth texture. Seasonings are important too. Italian seasoning brings warmth, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Lastly, don't forget the garnish. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top makes it even more delicious. With these ingredients, you're ready to create a creamy beef pasta that will impress everyone! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 8 oz of fettuccine or penne. - Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. - Reserve about 1/2 cup of cooking water. - Drain the pasta and set it aside. To get the perfect pasta texture, you want it firm but not hard. Al dente means "to the tooth." It should have a nice bite. - In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. - Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. - Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook it for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. The beef should be brown and not pink. If you see excess fat, drain it off. - Lower the heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of beef broth. - Stir well to mix everything together. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. This helps it thicken. You want a nice creamy texture. - Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. - Toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. This helps you reach the perfect consistency. Enjoy the creamy goodness! To ensure ideal pasta texture, always cook it until al dente. This means the pasta should still have a slight bite. If you overcook it, the pasta can turn mushy. A good tip is to taste it a minute before the package time is up. To prevent a greasy sauce, drain excess fat after browning the beef. If there's too much fat, it can make your sauce oily. Use a spoon to remove it carefully. For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also add depth. These small tweaks can elevate your dish. Adjust seasoning to taste by starting with small amounts of salt and pepper. Taste your sauce before serving. This way, you can find the perfect balance. The best cookware for this recipe is a large skillet. It lets you cook the beef and sauce evenly. A pot for boiling pasta is essential, too. Useful tools for preparation include a wooden spoon for mixing and a sharp knife for chopping. A measuring cup for the cream and broth will help you get the right amounts every time. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta until it's al dente for the best texture. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the creamy sauce. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and herbs. Fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor of your dish and make it more aromatic. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess without watering it down. Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip the fresh parsley! It not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the creamy sauce. {{image_4}} You can switch out the ground beef for other proteins. Chicken or turkey works well in this dish. These meats still give a great flavor and keep it light. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a unique twist while making it safe for those with dairy allergies. Try adding fresh vegetables to your pasta. Spinach or mushrooms add great taste and nutrition. You can also change the cheese you use. For example, goat cheese or cheddar can give your dish a different flavor profile. Experimenting with these options can make your creamy beef pasta even more special. Pair your creamy beef pasta with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. For drinks, a light red wine, like Pinot Noir, complements the flavors well. If you want a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon. To store leftovers, let the creamy beef pasta cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. Store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids for best results. To freeze creamy beef pasta, first cool it completely. Then, scoop portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remember to leave some space for expansion. This dish can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. For thawing, move it to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems dry. Stir frequently to warm evenly. Enjoy your delicious pasta even after storing! How can I make creamy beef pasta spicy? To add some heat, use red pepper flakes. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase to your taste. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a smoky touch, try smoked paprika. These options will give your dish a nice kick without overpowering the creamy flavor. Can I use whole wheat pasta instead? Yes, whole wheat pasta works well. It adds a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber. Just remember that whole wheat pasta may take a minute or two longer to cook. Check the package for timing, and taste it to ensure it's al dente. Caloric content per serving Each serving has about 550 calories. This includes the pasta, beef, cream, and cheese. It's a filling dish, perfect for a hearty meal. Protein and carb breakdown One serving contains roughly 30 grams of protein. The carbohydrates are around 60 grams per serving. This balance makes it a great option for energy after a long day. Tips for scaling the recipe If you want to make more, just double the ingredients. Keep the same cooking times for pasta and sauce. This keeps the flavors balanced and tasty. Adjustments for cooking larger batches For larger batches, use a bigger pot for pasta. A larger skillet helps to mix the sauce and meat better. You might need to adjust the heat to ensure even cooking. Always taste as you go to maintain flavor. This blog post covers how to make creamy beef pasta from start to finish. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You can use different types of pasta and proteins, plus add vegetables for more flavor. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Try these steps in your next meal and make it your own. With practice, you'll master this dish and impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Creamy Beef Pasta Delight

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring ground beef, fettuccine or penne, and a delightful blend of flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 2 cup rich beef broth
  • 1 2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta, cooking according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and aromatic.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart using a wooden spoon, cooking until evenly browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there is excess fat, drain it off thoughtfully.
  • Lower the heat back to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth into the skillet, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into the sauce. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce turns beautifully creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
  • Add the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing it thoroughly in the creamy beef sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Once everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant touch. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.

Notes

Serve with extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish.
Keyword beef, creamy, dinner, pasta