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To make creamy beef pasta, you need: - 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or your pasta of choice - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup beef broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gathering these ingredients sets you up for a tasty meal. Each item plays a key role. The beef adds protein, while cream gives it that rich taste. While I often use fettuccine for this dish, you can choose other pasta types too. Here are some great options: - Penne - Rotini - Linguine - Farfalle Pasta shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce well. This makes every bite creamy and flavorful. To make your creamy beef pasta even better, consider these add-ins and garnishes: - Sautéed mushrooms - Spinach or kale - Red pepper flakes for heat - Extra cheese on top These options let you customize your dish. You can add veggies or spice for more flavor. Garnishing with fresh parsley not only looks nice but adds freshness too! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Cook 8 oz of fettuccine until it is al dente. This takes about 8-10 minutes. 3. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 4. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 5. Add 1 finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes. 6. Next, add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook it until browned, about 5-7 minutes. 7. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed. 8. Now, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute. 9. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and stir. Let it simmer for 5 minutes on low heat. 10. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. 11. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. 12. Add salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. 13. Toss in the cooked pasta and coat it well with the creamy beef sauce. 14. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. - Always use plenty of water when boiling pasta. - Add salt to the water before cooking. This adds flavor. - Stir the pasta often to prevent sticking. - Check the package for cooking time. Start tasting a minute before the time is up. - Drain the pasta but do not rinse it. This helps sauce stick better. - Use a large skillet for more space. This helps with even cooking. - Brown the beef well to enhance the flavor. - Don’t rush the simmering stage. This lets the flavors blend. - Stir the sauce often to prevent burning. - Adjust salt and pepper as needed for taste. When cooking ground beef, start with a hot skillet. This helps the beef brown well. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. This ensures even cooking. If there is too much fat, drain it before adding other ingredients. This keeps your dish lighter. To boost flavor, use fresh garlic and onion. They add depth to the dish. Italian seasoning brings warmth and herbal notes. Don’t forget to taste your beef as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. A little bit of spice can also heighten the flavor. For a smooth sauce, stir in the heavy cream slowly. Combine it with the beef broth first. This helps the flavors meld together. Grated Parmesan cheese adds richness and helps thicken the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a brighter flavor compared to pre-minced options. It adds a lovely aroma and enhances the dish's overall taste. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute half-and-half for a less rich alternative. Garnish Generously: Don't skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the creamy sauce. {{image_2}} You can switch out ground beef for other proteins. Ground turkey works well for a lighter dish. Chicken breast, diced and cooked, also fits nicely. If you want a punch, try chorizo. It adds great spice and flavor. Each option brings a unique taste to the creamy sauce. For a vegetarian twist, use mushrooms instead of meat. Finely chop them and sauté until tender. You can also add lentils for protein. They cook quickly and absorb flavors well. Another good choice is plant-based meat. Many brands offer tasty options that mimic beef. Cheese can change the whole dish. Instead of Parmesan, try mozzarella for a gooey texture. Cheddar gives a sharp flavor that pairs nicely with beef. For a tangy twist, add goat cheese. It melts well and adds creaminess. Mix and match your favorites to find the best combo. Store your creamy beef pasta in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. This helps keep the pasta fresh. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. If you have a lot, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This makes it easy to grab a quick meal later. To reheat your creamy beef pasta, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of beef broth or cream to the pan. Heat on low, stirring often, until warm. If using the microwave, place it in a safe dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the pasta from drying out. You can freeze creamy beef pasta for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned before. The pasta may be softer after freezing, but the flavor stays great! Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Fettuccine works well, but penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti are great options too. Just make sure to cook the pasta until al dente. This way, it holds its shape well in the creamy sauce. To add spice, try using red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch, then add more to taste. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. Another option is to add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. This gives a nice kick without changing the dish too much. This creamy beef pasta goes well with many sides. A fresh green salad adds crunch and brightness. Garlic bread is a classic choice, perfect for soaking up sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also balance the richness of the dish. Try serving it with any of these for a complete meal. You learned about key ingredients and how to cook creamy beef pasta. I shared tips on perfecting the sauce and suggested variations for different diets. Remember to store your leftovers properly and reheat them for the best taste. This dish is easy to adapt, making it great for everyone. Enjoy cooking, and have fun exploring your own twists on this classic meal!

Creamy Beef Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with ground beef, perfect for a hearty meal.
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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 your pasta of choice
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and fresh ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Incorporate the minced garlic and Italian seasoning into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
  • Serve the creamy beef pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword beef, creamy, pasta, quick meal