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- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne or fusilli works well) - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream - 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Gather these items before you start cooking. They make this creamy ground beef pasta a hit! The pasta type is key. I love using penne or fusilli for their shape. It holds the sauce well. Next, the ground beef adds richness. Choose lean beef for less fat. Chopping the onion finely helps it cook faster. Minced garlic brings in great flavor. Heavy cream makes the dish creamy and rich. The cheeses are crucial for that cheesy goodness. Mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds a salty punch. Tomato paste gives color and depth to the sauce. Italian seasoning ties everything together with herbs. Don’t forget salt and pepper for taste. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color. It makes the dish look and taste fresh. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. Happy cooking! First, fill a large pot with water. Add salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water. You’ll use it later to help your sauce. Next, grab a large skillet and set it on medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a spatula to break the beef into smaller pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Keep an eye on it to make sure it browns nicely. You want it to be fully cooked before moving on. Now, it’s time to add some flavor. Toss in the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion turns soft and clear. After that, add the minced garlic. Cook that for one more minute. You’ll love the smell! Then, stir in the heavy cream and the tomato paste. Mix it well and let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, it's cheese time! Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until both cheeses melt into a creamy sauce. If your sauce looks too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Do this a little at a time until you reach the creaminess you want. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta gets coated in that rich, creamy beef sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Give it one last mix. Let it heat for just a minute. Now, you’re ready to plate up your creamy ground beef pasta. To avoid overcooked pasta, follow these tips: - Boil in salted water for flavor. - Use a timer and check a minute early. - Drain when pasta is al dente, firm to bite. For a creamy sauce consistency, remember these steps: - Use heavy cream; it creates a rich texture. - Gradually add cheese for smoothness. - If too thick, slowly mix in reserved pasta water. Want to boost flavor? Consider these herbs and spices: - Fresh basil or oregano adds freshness. - A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. - A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances taste. Different types of cheese can change the flavor: - Try cheddar for a sharp twist. - Use cream cheese for extra creaminess. - Feta cheese offers a tangy contrast. For ideal side dishes with creamy ground beef pasta, consider: - Garlic bread for a crunchy contrast. - Steamed broccoli for a fresh touch. - A simple green salad for balance. Garnishing ideas for a visually appealing plate: - Fresh parsley adds a pop of color. - Grated cheese on top looks inviting. - A drizzle of olive oil enhances shine. This recipe is not just about taste; it's about presentation too. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions! {{image_2}} You can use many types of pasta for this dish. Penne and fusilli are my favorites. They hold sauce well. However, you can try spaghetti, linguine, or farfalle. If gluten-free pasta fits your needs, options are plenty. Look for rice or corn-based pasta. They work great and taste good. If you want a lighter meal, swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. Both options cook well and taste great. For a vegetarian dish, use plant-based ground meat. Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger work well. They add protein and stay creamy. This creamy sauce is the star, but you can add veggies too. Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers mix in nicely. They bring color and flavor. Also, feel free to try different sauces. Alfredo sauce gives a rich taste and works well with the same ingredients. Experiment and find your favorite. For the full recipe, check the provided details. To store creamy ground beef pasta, use an airtight container. Let your pasta cool at room temperature first. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. Reheat creamy ground beef pasta in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. You can also use the microwave. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps keep moisture in. Add a splash of heavy cream or pasta water to keep it creamy. This way, it won't dry out. To freeze creamy ground beef pasta, let it cool completely. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently, adding a little cream or water as needed. You can use several options instead of heavy cream. Milk with butter works well. Mix 1 cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This gives a similar richness. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter taste. Coconut cream adds a unique flavor for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind these swaps may change the sauce's final taste and texture. If you want a low-carb dish, try using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Both options add great texture and flavor. You can also find low-carb pasta made from almond flour or konjac root. These alternatives help keep the meal satisfying without the extra carbs. Yes, you can prepare creamy ground beef pasta in advance. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, combine and heat them together in a skillet. Add a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy when reheating. In this blog post, we covered how to make creamy ground beef pasta. We reviewed key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make it perfect. We also explored variations and storage options for leftovers. To sum up, this dish is simple, delicious, and can adapt to your tastes. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or mix it up, you'll enjoy every bite. Happy cooking!

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Indulge in this creamy ground beef pasta that's sure to please! With rich flavors from mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, plus the perfect blend of seasonings, this recipe is a must-try for dinner. Simple to make in just 25 minutes, it’s a delightful dish that the whole family will love. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through for the full recipe and get cooking tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne or fusilli works well)

1 lb (450 g) ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.

      Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Mix in the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and tomato paste, mixing well until combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

          Add the Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching your desired consistency.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing it to coat evenly with the creamy beef sauce.

              Season: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Give it one final mix and allow it to heat through for another minute or so.

                Serve: Plate the creamy ground beef pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4