Creamy cheesy pasta with ground beef in a bowl topped with cheese

Creamy Cheesy Pasta with Ground Beef

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why make this recipe

This dish is fast, filling, and simple. It mixes pasta, ground beef, cream, and cheese for a warm, rich meal. It works for weeknights and for picky eaters. You can also try a similar easy pasta idea like creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef for more flavor ideas.

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introduction

This recipe uses common ingredients you likely have at home. You cook pasta, brown beef, add cream and cheese, and mix. The meal tastes creamy and comforting. It is easy to make and kids usually like it.

how to make Creamy Cheesy Pasta with Ground Beef

Follow simple steps to make this pasta. Brown the beef first, then add onion and garlic. Pour in the cream and season it. Add cooked pasta and stir in the cheese until it melts. You can change the mix by adding vegetables or a little tomato sauce. For a different meal with ground beef, you can also look at a baked option like cheesy ground beef and rice casserole for inspiration.

Ingredients :

  • 8 oz pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Directions :

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well.
  6. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. Serve warm.

how to serve Creamy Cheesy Pasta with Ground Beef

Serve the pasta hot. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese or chopped parsley on top. Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables. A simple green salad or garlic bread also fits well.

how to store Creamy Cheesy Pasta with Ground Beef

Cool the pasta to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep it creamy.

tips to make Creamy Cheesy Pasta with Ground Beef

  • Cook the pasta just until al dente so it does not get mushy later.
  • Drain excess fat from the beef to keep the sauce smooth.
  • Use hot cream when you add it so the cheese melts faster.
  • Taste and add salt and pepper at the end.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also try adding soup-style pasta combos like creamy celery potato mushroom soup with pasta ideas to vary flavors.

variation (if any)

  • Add cooked mushrooms, peas, or spinach for more veg.
  • Stir in a cup of tomato sauce for a tomato-cream version.
  • Use different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a new taste.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Cook and cool, then store in the fridge. Reheat when ready to eat.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: You can freeze, but texture may change. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Q: How do I stop the sauce from getting grainy?
A: Heat the cream gently and stir in cheese slowly. Do not boil hard after adding cheese.

Q: Can I use less cheese?
A: Yes. Use the amount you like. The dish will be less rich with less cheese.

Q: What pasta work best?
A: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells hold sauce well.

Conclusion

This creamy cheesy pasta with ground beef is quick and easy. It makes a warm, filling meal with simple steps and common ingredients. For another similar recipe with a creamy beef pasta twist, see Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe | Cookies and Cups.

Creamy Cheesy Pasta with Ground Beef

A quick and easy creamy pasta dish that combines ground beef, cheese, and cream for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells work best.
  • 1 lb ground beef Can swap for ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
  • 2 cups shredded cheese Use different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a new taste.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • 1 onion, chopped Adds flavor to the dish.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Add at the end for best flavor.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning Gives the dish an Italian flavor profile.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well.
  6. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. Serve warm with a sprinkle of extra cheese or chopped parsley on top.

Notes

Cool the pasta to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy. You can add cooked mushrooms, peas, or spinach for more vegetables, or stir in a cup of tomato sauce for a tomato-cream version.