Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers all the indulgence of a rich pasta dinner without the fuss of multiple pots and long cook times. The ground beef provides savory depth, while the tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning give the sauce complexity and warmth. The cream balances it all with silky smoothness, making each bite irresistibly satisfying. Plus, the entire meal cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 8 oz uncooked pasta
• 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
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
5. Stir in tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1–2 minutes to develop flavor.
6. Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and uncooked pasta. Pour in 2 cups of water or broth, stir, and bring to a simmer.
7. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Add more liquid if needed.
8. Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
10. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken.
• Use penne, rotini, or shells instead of the listed pasta.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
• For more heat, stir in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. This pasta can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle work best.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute, and skip the parmesan.

Do I need to cook the pasta separately?

No, it cooks right in the sauce, absorbing extra flavor.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, though you may need extra liquid.

How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add more broth or water as it cooks if it looks too dry.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but pasta will absorb sauce over time, so you may need to add liquid when reheating.

Can I use ground sausage?

Yes, it will add extra flavor and richness to the sauce.

What’s the best broth to use?

Beef broth deepens the flavor, but chicken or vegetable broth works too.

Conclusion

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a quick, cozy meal that’s both hearty and flavorful. With tender pasta, savory beef, and a luscious tomato-cream sauce, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your weeknight rotation. Best of all, it comes together in one pot, making cleanup simple and stress-free.

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