Creamy Beef and Tomato Pasta
This Creamy Beef and Tomato Pasta is quick, comforting, and packed with rich, savory flavors. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Colander
- Cheese Grater
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work beautifully
- 1 lb ground beef lean or regular
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes undrained, canned
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your 8 oz pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano as it cooks.
- Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine, then let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream followed by 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy beef and tomato sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is fully coated and heated through.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of flavor and vibrant color. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of cream or milk.
- Try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives to make this recipe vegan-friendly.