Description
A quick and hearty pasta dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and a creamy tomato-Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting Italian-American dish combines savory flavors and creamy textures, perfect for a family-friendly main course.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Brown Beef and Sauté Onion: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat if desired for a leaner dish.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste into the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, allowing the tomato paste to deepen in flavor.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in tomato sauce, then add Italian seasoning, paprika, chili flakes if using, and beef broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Continue simmering gently for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all noodles. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Season and Garnish: Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving for a fresh herbal finish.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for the ground beef for different protein options.
- For extra richness, stir in 2 oz cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
- Add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase fiber and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
