Go Back

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe comes together in one skillet with tender pasta, savory beef, and a silky, cheesy sauce. Everything cooks right in the pan, so the noodles absorb rich flavor while the sauce thickens naturally. It’s weeknight comfort food — hearty, simple, and incredibly satisfying.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

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 penne, shells, or rotini
  • 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)

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the uncooked pasta.
  5. Reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Stir in the milk and heavy cream; let the mixture bubble gently for 2–3 minutes.
  7. Turn heat to low and add the cheeses gradually, stirring until melted and creamy.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Add peas, mushrooms, or spinach during the last 5 minutes for extra veggies.
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or broth.
For extra cheesiness, mix in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
Leftovers reheat best over low heat with a bit of added milk.