30-Minute Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Skillet
Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re making something super cozy and delicious: 30-Minute Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Skillet. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! We’re keeping things simple with ingredients you probably already have, like ground beef, creamy heavy cream, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and a mix of tasty spices. And guess what? You only need one pot for the whole thing, so cleanup is a breeze! Get ready for a creamy, cheesy, and totally yummy meal that’s perfect any day of the week. Let’s get cooking and enjoy this comforting dish together!
Here’s why this recipe will be a family favorite:
- Deliciously Comforting: This creamy ground beef skillet is a cozy and satisfying meal with rich flavors. The tender beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent, perfect for family dinners.
- Flexible and Personalized: You can easily tailor this recipe to match everyone’s tastes and dietary needs. Whether your family prefers different pasta shapes, alternative proteins like turkey or vegetarian options, or varying levels of spice, this skillet dish can be adjusted to suit everyone’s preferences, ensuring it becomes a regular meal on your family’s menu.
- Simple and Quick: With just a few basic ingredients and easy steps, this creamy ground beef skillet is perfect for busy nights. The one-pot cooking method means less mess and more flavor, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones. Its simplicity and speed make it a top choice for family meals, guaranteeing it becomes a beloved recipe in your household.
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- Pasta (8 Ounces, medium size, dried): Choose your favorite type of pasta for this recipe, such as elbow, shells, penne, fusilli, or rotini.
- Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): Olive oil adds richness and helps to brown the ground beef and aromatics.
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Ground beef serves as the protein in this dish, providing heartiness and flavor. Opt for lean ground beef if you prefer a lighter dish, or use regular ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Onion (diced): Diced onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Minced garlic adds aromatic flavor to the dish, complementing the savory notes of the ground beef and spices.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
- Dried Oregano (½ tsp): Dried oregano provides a slightly earthy and aromatic flavor that pairs well with the other herbs and spices in the dish.
- Smoked Paprika (½ tsp): Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness and depth of flavor to the dish. It also contributes a hint of sweetness and mild heat.
- Flour (2 tbsp): Flour is used to thicken the sauce and create a roux.
- Beef Stock (3 cups): Beef stock serves as the base of the sauce, providing rich flavor and depth.
- Marinara Sauce (2 cups): Marinara sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet tomato flavor to the dish.
- Heavy Cream (¾ cup): Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, giving it a luxurious texture.
- Sour Cream (¼ cup): Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess to the dish.
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Kosher salt and ground black pepper are used to season the dish and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, grated): Grated cheddar cheese adds a rich and cheesy flavor to the dish. It melts into the sauce, creating a creamy and indulgent texture. Choose sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor or mild cheddar for a more subtle taste.
HOW TO PREPARE GROUND BEEF AND PASTA?
Time needed: 30 minutes
- Brown the Ground Beef and Onion:
In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and smoked paprika over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add Beef Stock and Pasta:
Thicken with Flour: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the beef mixture in the skillet. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and create a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
Add Beef Stock and Pasta: Pour in 3 cups of beef stock into the skillet along with the dried pasta. Stir to combine everything. - Add the Heavy Cream and Cheese:
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce, heavy cream, and sour cream until well combined. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes more, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Taste the sauce and season with kosher salt and ground black pepper according to your preference. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a minute or two to allow the cheese to melt. - Serve:
Once the cheese is melted and gooey, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the creamy ground beef and pasta skillet hot and garnished with additional chopped herbs or grated cheese if desired.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Yes, you can use different types of pasta depending on your preference. Penne, fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti would work well in this dish.
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to eat. Keep the cooked pasta separate from the sauce and cheese until you’re ready to combine and reheat.
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less of any herb or spice listed in the recipe, or even add your own favorite seasonings.
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the dish. For the best results, I recommend shredding your own cheese from a block.
CHEESY GROUND BEEF SKILLET RECIPE SUBSTITUTION AND VARIATIONS:
- Protein Substitutes: Try ground turkey, chicken, or pork, or go for vegetarian options like plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils. This makes the dish versatile and suitable for different diets.
- Pasta Varieties: Change up the pasta shapes or try whole wheat or gluten-free options. It adds variety and caters to different dietary needs, like gluten sensitivities.
- Cheese Options: Explore different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Italian blends.
- Sauce Enhancements: Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, or pesto sauce to make the sauce richer and more flavorful.
- Vegetable Additions: Mix in veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition, color, and flavor.
- Spice Up the Seasonings: Experiment with herbs and spices like basil, parsley, or chili powder for more flavor.
- Creamy Sauce Variations: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for dietary preferences.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add Tex-Mex flavors with taco seasoning, salsa, or avocado slices. It creates a fun and different taste experience.
- Baked Casserole Option: Turn the dish into a baked casserole by topping it with extra cheese and baking until golden brown. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- Customize Toppings: Personalize your meal with toppings like green onions, fresh herbs, or crispy bacon bits. It adds a fun touch and boosts flavor.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH CREAMY BEEF SKILLET?
Serving sides with creamy ground beef and pasta skillet can make your meal even better. A simple green salad with a tasty dressing gives a fresh contrast to the main dish’s rich flavors. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices add a nice crunch and soak up any extra sauce. If you want more veggies, try steamed or roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus—they go well with the dish and add extra nutrition. Another option is a fruit salad for a bit of sweetness, balancing out the creamy sauce. With the right sides, each bite becomes a delicious mix of flavors and textures, making your meal memorable.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER BEEF AND PASTA SKILLET?
To keep your creamy ground beef skillet leftovers fresh, let it cool down first. Then, put it in a sealed container and pop it in the fridge. When you’re hungry again, scoop out what you want and warm it up. You can use the microwave on medium heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Or, heat it in a skillet on medium heat with a bit of water or broth to stop it from sticking. Once it’s heated through, it’s ready to enjoy all over again!
CAN LEFTOVER PASTA SKILLET BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Yes, you can freeze leftover creamy ground beef skillet for later. Let it cool down first, then put it in a airtight container or zip top freezer safe bag. Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you want to eat it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it up using the microwave or on the stove until it’s heated through. Freezing your leftovers makes it easy to enjoy this tasty meal later on, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
LOOKING FOR MORE DINNER RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Bacon Chicken Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Sauce: This dish combines tender chunks of chicken breast and crispy bacon, enveloped in a velvety sauce made with rich heavy cream, savory Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic. Enhanced with a touch of dried thyme and a splash of dry white wine, each bite is a delightful balance of indulgence and comfort.
Easy One Pot Taco Spaghetti: This Mexican casserole is made in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes! Additionally, this one-pan taco spaghetti recipe is easy to put together. It combines ground beef seasoned taco seasoning, Rotel, spaghetti noodles, and melted cheese.
Marry Me Chicken Tortillini: This recipe is an irresistible union of tender chicken, al dente pasta tortellini, and a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. This delectable dish is a celebration of flavors, marrying the succulence of perfectly cooked chicken with the richness of a velvety tomato-infused sauce.
30-Minute Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Skillet
Equipment
- Shallow Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 8 Ounces Pasta (medium size) (dried)
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 lbs Ground Beef
- 1 Onion diced
- 6 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Tsp Italian Seasoning
- ½ Tsp Dried Oregano
- ½ Tsp Smoked Paprika
- 2 Tbsp Flour
- 3 Cups Beef Stock
- 2 Cups Marinara Sauce
- ¾ Cup Heavy Cream
- ¼ Cup Sour Cream
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper to taste
- 1½ Cups Cheddar Cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and have them measured and ready to use.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and smoked paprika over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Thicken with Flour: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the beef mixture in the skillet. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and create a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Beef Stock and Pasta: Pour in 3 cups of beef stock into the skillet along with the dried pasta. Stir to combine everything.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Creaminess: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce, heavy cream, and sour cream until well combined. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes more, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and season with kosher salt and ground black pepper according to your preference. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a minute or two to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and gooey, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the creamy ground beef and pasta skillet hot, garnished with additional chopped herbs or grated cheese if desired.