Amazing beef pasta in 35 minutes

If you’ve ever stared into your pantry at 6 PM, completely exhausted, and wondered how you’re going to put a *real* meal on the table tonight, I get you. That feeling is exactly why I started my blog! For me, the best solution for those hectic evenings has always been a satisfying bowl of beef pasta. I’m Carla Davis, and I specialize in taking those soulful, comforting flavors my grandmother used to make and turning them into something you can conquer before homework is even finished.

This Creamy One-Pot Ground Beef Pasta is my absolute secret weapon. It’s rich, it’s wonderfully creamy thanks to a little help from the dairy aisle, and the cleanup is practically non-existent. We’re talking a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner cooked entirely in one single pot. Trust me, this recipe is perfect for bringing the joy back to your everyday table, just like I talk about on my About Page.

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If you love finding quick, reliable recipes perfect for weeknight dinners, you are officially in the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta Recipe is Your New Weeknight Hero

Honestly, if I had a dollar for every time I stared into my pantry at 6 PM, completely beat after a long day, wondering how I was going to put a *real* meal on the table, I’d be rich! That feeling is exactly why this Quick Ground Beef Pasta became my secret weapon. It’s pure comfort food flavor, super rich and creamy, but without any of the fuss we definitely don’t have time for on a Tuesday night.

It tastes like it simmered all day, but we’re talking under 35 minutes total time. That’s much, much better than trying to organize some complicated meal planning system when I’m already running late!

Speed and Simplicity for Busy Nights

The total time commitment here is only 35 minutes. That’s faster than waiting for half those pricey subscription boxes to even process the order! You get that amazing, savory flavor instantly because everything cooks together in the same vessel. For a truly flavorful base, make sure you check out my recipe for quick creamy garlic sauce—it uses some of the same layering techniques!

The Ultimate Easy Cleanup Pasta Dinner

Let’s be real: those stacks of dirty dishes after a meal can feel like a second job! This recipe is built around being the Easy Cleanup Pasta Dinner you dream about. Since the noodles cook right in the broth with the beef, we only dirty one pot. No messy baking sheets or extra saucepans—it’s pure one-pot magic. That convenience generally beats waiting around for the best meal delivery services, in my opinion!

Ingredients for the Best Creamy Beef Pasta Dinner

Whenever I’m creating a recipe that claims to be quick, I know I have to be super clear about the ingredients. If we are only using one pot, every single component going into that pot has to pull its weight! That’s how we end up with an incredible Creamy Beef Pasta Dinner instead of just watery sludge, right?

I always shop for the foundational flavors first: good ground beef, fresh garlic, and quality broth. Because this recipe is so simple, those few main items really shine through in the end. I’ve listed exactly what you need below, down to the type of cheese, because trust me, using grated Parmesan right before the end makes a world of difference in the final texture. If you’ve ever struggled with sauces, my guide to creamy garlic sauce shares some tips that apply perfectly here!

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces rotini pasta (or preferred short pasta shape)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for This Hearty Beef Noodle Dish

Okay, since everything happens in one pot, we have to be efficient! But efficiency doesn’t mean rushing the flavor building. Seriously, don’t skip draining that beef grease—nobody wants a greasy coating on their yummy noodles! This entire process moves quickly once we get that broth boiling, so pay attention to the water temperature as we move into the simmer phase. If you love super flavorful beef dishes that come together fast, this is right up there with my 30-minute beef stroganoff!

Browning the Beef and Building Flavor

First things first: brown your pound of ground beef in your big pot over medium heat. Once it’s nicely cooked through, drain off every bit of that extra grease. Now, time to wake up the aromatics! Add your tablespoon of olive oil, the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper right into the pot with the beef. Just cook that for about one quick minute until you can really smell that garlic shouting at you. Don’t let it burn, though!

Simmering the One Pot Beef Pasta

This is where the magic happens! Pour in all four cups of beef broth and then dump in the 8 ounces of dry rotini pasta. We need to bring this whole mixture up to a full boil first. Once it’s bubbling happily, immediately reduce that heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer away for 12 to 15 minutes. I cannot stress this enough: stir it every few minutes! If you walk away for too long, the pasta will glue itself to the bottom, and we can’t have that!

Creating the Rich and Creamy Pasta Finish

When the pasta looks tender—and only then!—take the pot completely off the heat. This is crucial before adding the dairy. Now, stir in your heavy cream, the grated Parmesan cheese, and the mozzarella shreds. Mix gently until everything melts together into this gorgeous, velvety sauce. Don’t panic if it looks a little soupy at first. Leave the pot uncovered and let it rest for about five minutes; that resting time lets the starch absorb the liquid and thicken up perfectly!

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Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Beef Pasta

Now that you’ve mastered the one-pot process, let me share a few little tricks that really elevate this dish from just “good” to “I need this recipe forever.” Because we are cooking the pasta right in the sauce base, things can sometimes get a little stiff when it cools down. That’s where you step in as the final seasoning expert!

Also, if you’re tracking macros or just trying to get more lean protein in, this recipe is super flexible. It’s just as happy as a High Protein Beef Pasta if you grab some leaner ground beef or even ground turkey instead of standard beef. That satisfying feeling of a Hearty Beef Noodle Dish doesn’t have to come loaded with extra fat.

Adjusting Sauce Thickness

When you take the pot off the heat and let it rest for five minutes like I instructed, the sauce will tighten up beautifully. However, sometimes it tightens up a little *too* much, especially if your broth was a bit concentrated that day. Don’t panic and throw it back on the stove! That heat can break the cream! Instead, stir in just a splash of plain milk or, even better, a spoonful or two of the starchy water you reserved from cooking the pasta (oops, did you forget to reserve some? Next time!). This loosens that sauce right back up to that perfect flowing, yet rich consistency. If you want more sauce depth overall, you can always peek at my tips for creamy garlic sauce for extra inspiration!

Serving Suggestions for Your Family Dinner Beef Pasta

Even though this Satisfying Ground Beef Meal is hearty enough that you could honestly just eat it straight from the pot (I won’t tell!), pairing it with something light on the side really makes it feel like a complete dinner. Because the pasta itself is so rich and creamy, I always lean towards something fresh to cut through that richness.

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Crusty bread is a must-have in my house because you absolutely need something for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce! I often whip up a simple Caesar salad—my recipe for creamy dressing is shockingly easy to make fresh in five minutes. Or, if you prefer that savory dipping element, you can’t go wrong with a batch of my buttery garlic bread; you can find the instructions for my garlic bread recipe here!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Beef Pasta

Who doesn’t love having leftovers from a great beef pasta night? I find this dish is actually really good the next day, but the cream sauce can seize up a bit when it chills down. That’s totally expected, no worries!

Make sure you store any extras in a proper airtight container. I usually aim to eat leftovers within three or four days maximum. When you’re ready to reheat some for a quick lunch, the trick is moisture! You absolutely must add a little liquid before heating gently on the stove. I always use a splash of milk or just plain water. Heat it slowly over low heat, stirring constantly, until that creamy texture comes back. Never microwave this on high; you just end up with rubbery beef and broken sauce, and we definitely want to avoid that second-rate experience!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Quick Ground Beef Pasta

I know you’re going to love this beef pasta because it’s just so reliable, but questions always pop up when you try a new method, especially the one-pot style! I’ve pulled some of the most common things readers ask me about this specific dish. If you need something lightning fast, this really shines as a 30 Minute Pasta Recipe that tastes gourmet.

Can I use different pasta shapes in this beef pasta recipe?

You absolutely can! While I specified rotini because those spirals grab onto the creamy meat sauce like nothing else, this recipe is truly flexible. What you really need are short, sturdy pasta shapes that can handle simmering in the broth without turning to mush or dissolving too quickly. Penne, medium shells, ziti, or even farfalle (bowties) work splendidly. Just be sure they are short enough to stay submerged in the liquid since we don’t want dry bits sticking to the bottom of your pot!

How can I make this a truly cheesy beef pasta?

Oh, wanting to ramp up the dairy texture? I love that energy! The base recipe already calls for Parmesan and mozzarella, which gives a great melt. To push it firmly into Cheesy Beef Pasta territory, try adding another half cup of robust cheese right at the end with the heavy cream. Smoked Gouda melts beautifully and adds a subtle depth, or you could use an extra half cup of Parmesan for an even sharper, saltier flavor profile. Just remember to take the pot off the heat before stirring in the extra cheese so it melts smoothly instead of clumping!

Is this recipe suitable if I need a weight loss program friendly meal?

That is a great question, and because this is a real-life kitchen recipe, we can definitely tweak it to fit your goals! If you are following a weight loss programs structure, I recommend two easy swaps. First, use the leanest ground beef you can find, like 93/7, or swap the beef entirely for ground turkey or even ground chicken. Second, the creaminess comes from the heavy cream, but you can reduce the fat significantly by swapping the heavy cream for an equal amount of evaporated milk or even some plain, full-fat Greek yogurt stirred in *off* the heat at the very end. You won’t get the exact same richness, but it’s very close and much lighter!

If you want to see some other speedy contenders for busy weeks, check out my super fast 15-minute shrimp fried rice—that one is fantastic for using up leftover rice!

Nutritional Estimates for This Comfort Food Pasta

Now, because I use real ingredients from my pantry, the nutrition facts can wobble a bit depending on the brand of broth or leanness of the beef I grab that day. Always keep that in mind when you look at cooking stats! These estimates are just a good baseline for this Comfort Food Pasta when made exactly following my recipe for four generous servings. This dish is definitely hearty and offers a good punch of protein!

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 650
• Fat: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 35g
• Sodium: 750mg

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Share Your Cozy Night In Dinner Experience

Phew! That is it! We took a standard weeknight dinner and turned it into one of the most satisfying, creamy, and easiest ground beef pasta meals you will ever make. My whole goal here at Carla’s Cooking is to take the stress out of the everyday meal and bring back that little spark of joy, and I truly think this one-pot wonder hits the mark for a perfect cozy night in dinner.

I would absolutely love to hear how this one worked for you and your family! Did those 12 minutes of simmering feel perfectly timed for your evening routine? Did the kiddos devour it? Please take a moment to come back and leave me a quick star rating right below this post. If you snap any photos of your gooey, cheesy bowls of beef pasta, tag me on social media! Seeing my recipes out in the world truly makes my day.

If this quick dinner saved your bacon on a hectic night, I’d be so grateful if you shared it! Knowing this helped someone else skip the takeout menu is the biggest compliment I can receive. If you’re looking for other fast favorites, don’t forget to peek at my main recipe index. And if you want to see how much others loved this one, you can always jump over and check out how much of a hit it’s been for other home cooks!

If you need even more inspiration for delicious, quick recipes, feel free to check out this lovely recipe I found on The Kitchen Bud!

Creamy One-Pot Ground Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter

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Make this rich and creamy ground beef pasta in one pot for a satisfying, comforting dinner with minimal cleanup. It is ready fast enough for any weeknight.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces rotini pasta (or preferred short pasta shape)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Pour in the beef broth and add the dry pasta to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
5. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Let the pasta sit, uncovered, for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. This recipe is a great alternative to using meal planning services for quick weeknight meals.

Notes

• For a higher protein version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
• If the sauce seems too thick after resting, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
• This one-pot method saves time compared to traditional sauce-making, making it better than many meal delivery companies for immediate satisfaction.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 750
• Fat: 38
• Saturated Fat: 18
• Unsaturated Fat: 20
• Trans Fat: 1
• Carbohydrates: 40
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 35
• Cholesterol: 110