If you’re looking for a comforting, satisfying dinner that’s easy enough for busy weeknights, this Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is the perfect choice. Tender rotini pasta is coated in a rich tomato cream sauce with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese, creating a hearty meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and cheesy flavor in every bite.
- Ready in about 45 minutes.
- Made with simple pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheese.
- A comforting one-pan style meal everyone enjoys.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh or dried parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the garlic, basil, oregano, kosher salt, crushed red pepper, and flour. Stir continuously for 1 minute.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir until smooth, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook the rotini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Stir the heavy cream into the sauce, then add the cooked pasta. Toss until everything is evenly coated. This Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe comes together beautifully once the sauce thickens.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and creamy.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become soft after mixing.
- Freshly grated cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- For extra richness, mix cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper for a milder or spicier dish.
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Nut-free; contains dairy and gluten.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free rotini can be used if preferred.
- Serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan over each serving for added flavor.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 690
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fat: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 930mg
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the recipe completely, cool it, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, shells, or rigatoni all work well.
How do I make it spicier?
Increase the crushed red pepper or add diced jalapeños.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a cheddar blend are all excellent choices.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.
Similar Recipes
easy Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is an easy family dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, rotini pasta, tomato cream sauce, and cheddar cheese. Ready in about 45 minutes, it's hearty, creamy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 28-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh or dried parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the garlic, basil, oregano, kosher salt, crushed red pepper, and flour. Stir continuously for 1 minute.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir until smooth, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook the rotini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Stir the heavy cream into the sauce, then add the cooked pasta. Toss until everything is evenly coated. This Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe comes together beautifully once the sauce thickens.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and creamy.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free rotini can be used if preferred.
- Serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan over each serving for added flavor.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is everything a comfort food dinner should be—rich, creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing meals ahead for the week, this simple recipe delivers delicious results every time. Keep it in your dinner rotation for an easy meal that’s always a hit.