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Irresistible Creamy Beef Pasta: 7 Comforting Steps

Irresistible Creamy Beef Pasta

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This Irresistible Creamy Beef Pasta is a comforting dish that combines savory beef with a rich, velvety sauce, perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85-90% lean)
  • 12 oz medium-sized pasta (penne, rigatoni, or orecchiette)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes (petite or regular)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Splash of beef broth or non-alcoholic red wine for deglazing
  • Olive oil (if needed for browning beef)

Instructions

  1. Get a large pot of salted water boiling. Add your chosen pasta shape and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta and set aside.
  2. Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned all over, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of fat in the pan.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste with the onions and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to deepen the flavor.
  5. Pour in the non-alcoholic alternative (or beef broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for at least 10-15 minutes.
  6. Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Warm through for about 2-3 minutes, then stir in half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  7. Add the drained pasta and cooked ground beef back into the skillet. Toss until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with remaining Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.

Notes

  • This dish is perfect for chilly evenings.
  • Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
  • Adjust seasoning to your preference.

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