Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

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Some dinners feel fancy — but secretly take almost no effort.
That’s exactly what happens with this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe. The pasta simmers right in the same pan with seasoned beef, broth, and cream, soaking up every bit of flavor. No draining, no juggling multiple pots, and barely any cleanup.

The final bowl is rich, silky, comforting, and incredibly satisfying — the kind of dinner that makes everyone come back for seconds. If you love creamy ground beef recipes or hearty skillet meals, this one is going straight into your regular rotation.

Road Map: How This Recipe Flows

Before we dive in, here’s the big picture — step by step:

1. Brown the ground beef to build flavor.

2. Soften onion and garlic for aroma and sweetness.

3. Season and add broth to create the base.

4. Simmer pasta right in the skillet so it cooks and thickens the sauce.

5. Add milk and cream to make it lush and creamy.

6. Melt in cheeses until velvety.

7. Taste, thicken slightly, and serve.

Knowing the roadmap ahead of time makes the process simple and stress-free.

Why Make This Pasta

This recipe checks every box busy cooks care about:

• ✔️ One pan — less mess

• ✔️ Budget-friendly ingredients

• ✔️ Family-approved creamy flavor

• ✔️ Fast (around 35 minutes)

• ✔️ Customizable with veggies or spices

It has comforting stroganoff vibes with the indulgence of Alfredo — but it’s easier than both.

How to Make Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Everything happens in layers. First, browning the beef adds savory depth. Then onion and garlic create the foundation of flavor. When broth goes in along with pasta, something magic happens — the noodles cook while releasing starch, naturally thickening the sauce.

In the final stage, the dairy and cheese swirl together, turning it into that luscious, creamy pasta everyone loves.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

You only need simple staples:

• Ground beef (lean works best)

• Onion and garlic

• Beef broth

• Short pasta (shells, penne, rotini, elbows)

• Milk and heavy cream

• Melting cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Velveeta)

• Parmesan

• Italian seasoning, paprika

• Salt, pepper, and a bit of fresh parsley

Nothing complicated — but together, they create big flavor.

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Directions (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the beef in a large skillet until browned; drain if needed.

2. Add onion, cooking until soft. Stir in garlic briefly.

3. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.

5. Add pasta, reduce heat, and simmer until tender.

6. Stir in milk and cream and let it gently bubble.

7. Lower the heat, then mix in cheeses until smooth.

8. Taste and finish with herbs or extra cheese.

Dinner — done.

How to Serve

This creamy skillet pasta pairs beautifully with:

• Toasted garlic bread

• A crisp salad

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Roasted vegetables

It reheats nicely, too — just add a splash of milk and warm it gently.

Tips for the Creamiest Results

• Use a wide skillet so everything cooks evenly.

• Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.

• Add cheese after lowering the heat so it melts smoothly.

• If it thickens too much, loosen with extra broth.

• Want it richer? Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese.

This recipe is forgiving — and easy to tweak to your taste.

FAQs

Can I swap the pasta?
Yes — any short pasta works best. Avoid long noodles for this style of cooking.

Can I make it lighter?
Use more milk and less cream — or reduce the cheese.

Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Peas, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers blend in beautifully.

Does it freeze well?
It can, though creamy sauces may separate slightly. Reheat slowly with added milk.

Final Thoughts

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe proves that weeknight dinners can feel special without tons of effort. With one pan, everyday ingredients, and a dreamy sauce that clings to every noodle, it’s comfort food you’ll want to cook again and again.

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe cooks entirely in one skillet, creating a rich, cheesy sauce while the pasta absorbs savory flavor. The combination of tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, and creamy melted cheese makes this dinner satisfying and family-friendly. Quick, simple, and comforting — perfect for busy nights.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil if needed
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cups uncooked short pasta
• 1 cup milk
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 –1½ cups shredded cheddar mozzarella, or Velveeta cubes
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions

 

• Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat; drain if needed.
• Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
• Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in pasta.
• Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
• Stir in milk and heavy cream; cook 2–3 minutes more.
• Reduce heat and slowly add cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy.
• Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

Add veggies like peas, spinach, or mushrooms for more nutrition.

If sauce thickens too much, stir in extra milk or broth.

For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end.

Reheat gently with added milk to maintain creaminess.