One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

$- 1 lb ground beef - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups beef broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gather these ingredients before you start. This makes cooking fun and easy. Each item plays a role in making this meal creamy and delicious. Ground beef gives protein and flavor. Penne pasta adds texture. Onion and garlic give a great aroma. Beef broth enhances the taste while cream and cheese make it rich. Italian seasoning and smoked paprika add warmth. Salt and pepper balance everything out. Olive oil helps to sauté and adds healthy fat. Finally, fresh parsley makes your dish look pretty and fresh. By using these ingredients, you can create a meal that feels gourmet but is still simple. It’s a great meal for busy nights or family gatherings. For the full recipe, check back to see how to put it all together. - Approx. 600 calories per serving - Macronutrient breakdown: - Fat: 30g - Carbs: 50g - Protein: 35g This meal not only delights your taste buds but also fuels your body. Each serving packs a good amount of protein, carbs, and fats. This makes it a balanced choice for lunch or dinner. - Heat olive oil and sauté onions In a large pot, pour two tablespoons of olive oil. Turn the heat to medium. Add one small diced onion. Cook it for about three to four minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear. - Add garlic and ground beef Next, add two minced cloves of garlic. Stir it for one to two minutes until you smell the garlic. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add one pound of ground beef. Cook it for five to seven minutes. Break the beef apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, one teaspoon each of Italian seasoning and smoked paprika. - Incorporate penne pasta and broth Stir in twelve ounces of penne pasta, making sure it mixes well with the beef. Then, pour in two cups of beef broth. Bring it to a boil. - Simmer until pasta is tender Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for ten to twelve minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. When the pasta is soft, you are ready for the next step. - Stir in heavy cream and cheese After the pasta is cooked, pour in one cup of heavy cream. Add one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is well mixed. - Adjust seasoning and serve Taste your dish and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the creamy beef pasta in bowls. Top with fresh parsley for a nice look. Enjoy your meal! For more details, you can check the Full Recipe. To keep pasta from sticking, stir it often. Use a large pot to give pasta space. A Dutch oven works well since it heats evenly. Make sure to add enough liquid for the pasta to cook. Using broth adds flavor and helps with sticking. If you want an alternative for ground beef, try turkey or chicken. For a plant-based option, use lentils or mushrooms. To make it dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a nut-based milk. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Serve the creamy beef pasta in deep bowls for a cozy feel. Top with fresh parsley and more cheese to make it pop. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a lovely meal. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper can add a nice touch too. {{image_2}} You can make One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta even better by adding veggies. Spinach or mushrooms work great. They add color and nutrients. Toss in a handful of fresh spinach just before serving. It wilts nicely and adds good taste. Mushrooms also bring a rich flavor. Sauté them with the onions for extra depth. You can switch up the cheese too. While cheddar is tasty, you might prefer mozzarella or Parmesan. Each cheese gives a different twist. Mixing cheeses can create a creamy delight. Just sprinkle them in when you add the heavy cream. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices that cook just like regular pasta. You won't miss the gluten. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. They cut carbs and add fresh flavors. To boost the taste, consider adding spices or sauces. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. If you love garlic, add more minced garlic for a strong flavor. You could also stir in some BBQ sauce for a fun twist. If you want a savory kick, consider Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce. These add umami and depth. You can make it spicy by adding hot sauce to your taste. Adjust the flavors to fit your mood. To keep your One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps avoid sogginess. Yes, you can freeze One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, heat on the stove or microwave until warm. In the fridge, your creamy beef pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks moldy, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your meal, but keep food safety in mind! Can I make One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta in advance? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. After cooking, let it cool. Store it in a container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems dry. What can I serve with this dish? I love serving this pasta with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also add steamed veggies on the side. These add color and nutrition to your meal. How long does it take to make this recipe? This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking. It is quick and perfect for busy nights. Can I cook the pasta separately? You can, but I do not recommend it for this recipe. Cooking the pasta in the same pot lets it soak up all the tasty flavors. It saves time and reduces the number of dishes to wash. How to scale the recipe for more servings? To serve more people, simply double the ingredients. Use 2 pounds of beef and 24 ounces of pasta. Make sure to use a larger pot to fit everything. Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. Bowtie or fusilli work great. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose. Always check the package for cooking times. This blog post covered a delicious One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta recipe. We looked at all the ingredients, from beef and pasta to spices and cheese. I shared clear cooking steps to help you make it right. Tips for storage and variations also offered new ideas. Try different foods based on the tips provided. Experiment until you find your favorite version. Enjoy the cooking process and share this meal with others!$

Whip up a delicious and satisfying One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta that the whole family will love! This quick recipe combines hearty ground beef, creamy cheese, and penne pasta, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, you'll be amazed at how simple it is to create a gourmet meal with just a few ingredients. Click through to discover the full recipe and make dinner a breeze tonight!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

12 oz penne pasta

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups beef broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.

Stir in the penne pasta, ensuring it's evenly distributed among the beef.

Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing it to simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.

Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy beef pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of additional cheese on top for an inviting look. Add a slice of garlic bread on the side for a complete meal!