EASY CREAMY BEEF PASTA

Craving something hearty, creamy, and utterly satisfying all in one bowl? Imagine tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious, velvety sauce coating every single strand. This Creamy Beef Pasta recipe is your answer to a weeknight dinner dilemma, promising a comforting and delicious meal that’s ready in no time!

The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef & Pasta:

• 1 pound ground beef (I prefer lean, but any will work!)
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for the richest sauce)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best!)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Sautéing the Beef and Aromatics

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.

Part 2: Crafting the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This is the base of our creamy sauce, so don’t rush this step!
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a dash of garlic powder.

Part 3: Marrying the Pasta and Sauce

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
2. Add the cooked pasta and the browned beef mixture to the creamy sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, beefy bite!

Troubleshooting & Tips for Creamy Perfection

The Sauce is Too Thick!

Don’t panic! If your sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a little more milk or beef broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

The Sauce is Too Thin!

If your sauce isn’t thickening up, make sure you cooked the roux long enough (about 1-2 minutes). You can also whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and then whisk this slurry into the sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for a minute or two until thickened.

Spice it Up!

Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. You could also add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.

Cheese Please!

Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a little bit of sharp cheddar would be delicious in this Creamy Beef Pasta.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Veggie Power!

Add some chopped vegetables to the beef while it’s cooking. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini would all be great additions.

Make it Lighter!

Use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

Extra Flavor Boost!

A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard can add a depth of flavor to the creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Creamy Beef Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

Other Delicious Recipes to Explore

If you’re looking for more comforting and easy pasta dishes, be sure to check out my Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti. It’s another quick and flavorful weeknight winner! Or, if you’re in the mood for something with a bit more of a kick, try my Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. And for another beef-based meal, check out this recipe for Salisbury Steak!

If you’re looking for a different protein altogether, you may enjoy Cheesy Meatball Subs. Or, for an Asian twist, this Chinese Beef And Broccoli recipe is a winner!

Why This Creamy Beef Pasta is a Must-Try

Let’s face it, life can get hectic. But dinner doesn’t have to be a struggle! This Creamy Beef Pasta is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a comforting and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s easy to customize to your liking, and the creamy sauce is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.