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–+ servings
Merry

Easy Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

This creamy tomato beef pasta is a rich and comforting one-pot meal packed with savory ground beef, a velvety tomato-cream sauce, and tender pasta. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese gives it a depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 sweet yellow onion chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 8 oz uncooked pasta penne, shells, or rotini
  • 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional

Method
 

  1. Cook the Aromatics & Beef
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. Add Flavorings & Pasta
  7. Stir in tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Pour in diced tomatoes and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
  9. Add uncooked pasta, making sure it is submerged in the liquid.
  10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  11. Simmer & Cook the Pasta
  12. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  13. Cover and let cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
  14. Finish & Serve
  15. Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
  16. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and black pepper.

Notes

    • Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a hint of heat.
    • Prefer a lighter version? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative.
    • Make it gluten-free by swapping the pasta for a gluten-free variety.
    • Storage Tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.

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