Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

There’s something deeply comforting about a pot of creamy pasta, especially when it’s made in one pan and comes together in under 30 minutes. I’ve made this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta more times than I can count, and it never fails to deliver a cozy, satisfying meal that makes everyone at the table happy. The tender rotini, hearty ground beef, and rich, cheesy sauce come together in the most delicious way—no oven, no complicated steps, just pure comfort food magic.

This is one of those recipes I turn to when I need dinner on the table fast but still want something that feels home-cooked and hearty. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or when you’re just craving something creamy and savory. I like to keep it simple, but it also lends itself beautifully to a little improvisation depending on what’s in the fridge. Let’s just say—it’s a keeper.

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Why You’ll Love This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

This dish has that rare balance of being quick and easy while tasting like you spent hours making it. The creaminess of the sauce, the juicy beef, and the perfectly al dente pasta all work together to create a dinner that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Plus, since it’s all cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this pasta just makes life a little easier (and tastier).

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta?

While I usually reach for rotini when making this dish—because those spirals hold onto the creamy sauce like a dream—you can easily swap in other short pasta shapes. Penne, shells, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni work beautifully here. The key is to choose something that cooks evenly and traps the sauce in all its nooks and crannies. Long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine are less ideal for this one-pot style, since they don’t soak up the sauce as well and can clump together.

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Options for Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are a few easy substitutions you can make depending on what you have on hand:

• Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack if you want a little heat will work well.
• Pasta: As mentioned, any short pasta will do—just adjust cooking times if needed.
• Cream: Half-and-half or even whole milk with a bit of cream cheese can replace heavy cream in a pinch.
• Add-ins: Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or peas make great additions if you want to sneak in some veggies.

This recipe is forgiving, so feel free to make it your own based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry.

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Ingredients for Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

• Ground beef
  This is the heart of the dish, bringing savory, rich flavor and a satisfying meaty bite. I typically use 85/15 for a good balance of flavor and minimal grease.
• Rotini pasta
  Its spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, making each bite flavorful and comforting.
• Onion
  Adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the base of the sauce. It’s subtle but essential.
• Garlic
  Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor that complements the beef and cheese beautifully.
• Beef broth
  This helps cook the pasta and adds rich, savory depth to the sauce, making everything taste more full-bodied.
• Heavy cream
  Brings that luxurious, silky texture to the dish. It’s what makes the sauce cling to the pasta in the best way.
• Cheddar cheese
  Melted into the sauce for creamy, cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar adds a great tangy contrast.
• Paprika
  A touch of smokiness that enhances the meat and adds subtle warmth to the flavor.
• Salt & black pepper
  For seasoning the whole dish perfectly, bringing all the flavors into balance.
• Fresh parsley (optional)
  Sprinkled on top for a little freshness and color—totally optional but a nice finishing touch.

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Step 1

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.

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Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

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Step 3

Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the spices coat the beef and onions evenly.

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Step 4

Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.

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Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the pasta cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

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Step 6

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring gently over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens into a rich, creamy consistency.

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Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving for a pop of freshness.

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How Long to Cook the Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

From start to finish, this dish takes about 25 to 30 minutes.
Here’s the rough breakdown:

• Browning the beef: 5–7 minutes
• Sautéing onion and garlic: 3–4 minutes
• Simmering pasta in broth: 10–12 minutes
• Melting cheese and finishing sauce: 3–5 minutes

It’s a great go-to when you need dinner on the table fast but still want something hearty and homemade.

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Tips for Perfect Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

• Use freshly shredded cheese
  Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest sauce, shred your own cheddar.
• Stir the pasta occasionally
  As it simmers in the broth, give it a stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Don’t overcook the pasta
  Keep a close eye on it as it simmers—you’re looking for that perfect al dente texture so it holds its shape in the creamy sauce.
• Let the sauce thicken gently
  After adding cream and cheese, keep the heat low and stir gently. The sauce will thicken naturally as it cools slightly.
• Season at the end
  Taste before serving and adjust the salt and pepper. Cheese and broth already add salt, so you may not need much more.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using too much liquid
  Stick to the recommended amount of broth—too much and your sauce will end up thin and soupy. This is a creamy pasta, not a soup!
• Not draining the beef properly
  Excess grease can make the sauce feel heavy and greasy. After browning the beef, drain any excess fat unless you’re using lean meat.
• Overcooking the pasta
  Since it’s cooking right in the broth, keep a close watch. Overcooked pasta turns mushy and loses that satisfying bite.
• Adding cheese over high heat
  If the pan is too hot when you add the cheese, it can separate and become grainy. Turn the heat down before stirring it in.
• Skipping the seasoning check
  Taste at the end! Sometimes just a pinch more salt or pepper makes all the difference.

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What to Serve With Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Nothing beats a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread to scoop up all that creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp side salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Steamed Broccoli

Lightly steamed or roasted broccoli adds color, nutrition, and a touch of crunch.

Roasted Parmesan Zucchini

Toss zucchini slices with olive oil, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs, then roast until golden for a tasty side.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

This bright, juicy salad lightens up the plate and balances the creamy pasta beautifully.

A Glass of Red Wine

If you’re in the mood, a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Chianti pairs perfectly with the richness of the beef and cheese.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

Simple and refreshing—especially if you’re keeping it alcohol-free.

Grapes or Fresh Fruit

It might sound odd, but chilled grapes or melon offer a sweet, clean finish after a rich, savory dish like this.

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Storage Instructions

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta stores really well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freezer: While it can be frozen, the creamy sauce may separate a bit when thawed. If you do freeze it, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and reheat slowly with added cream or broth to smooth out the texture.
• Reheating tip: Always reheat on low heat and stir often to prevent the sauce from becoming oily or breaking apart.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 560
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Sugar: 4g

These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of ground beef should I use?

I recommend using 85/15 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and minimal grease. If you use a fattier blend, make sure to drain excess fat after browning.

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Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, shells, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni work great. Just avoid long noodles, as they don’t cook as evenly in one-pot recipes like this.

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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can! Use a plant-based cream or milk (like oat or soy) and a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and creaminess might vary slightly.

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Is this dish spicy?

Not at all. It’s mild and kid-friendly. If you like a kick, add some red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar.

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Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely. It stores well in the fridge for a few days and reheats nicely. Just add a little liquid (milk or broth) when reheating to keep it creamy.

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How can I add vegetables to this dish?

Easy! Stir in frozen peas, spinach, diced zucchini, or mushrooms while the pasta is cooking, or sauté them with the onions and garlic at the beginning.

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What should I do if the sauce is too thick?

Just add a splash of milk or broth and stir gently over low heat until it loosens up.

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Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a large enough pot and adjust the simmering time slightly. Keep an eye on liquid levels and stir often to ensure even cooking.

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Conclusion

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is one of those magical meals that checks all the boxes: easy, fast, filling, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you can count on whether you’re cooking for your family on a hectic weeknight or meal prepping for days ahead. With its rich, cheesy sauce and tender pasta, it’s comfort food at its finest—without the fuss. Once you make it, I have a feeling it’ll find a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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