Creamy Beef Pasta

Creamy Beef Pasta

Finding joy in cooking often comes with the delightful challenge of transforming simple ingredients into something special. Creamy beef pasta showcases how a few staple items can create a comforting and memorable dish. The warmth of the heavy cream and the heartiness of ground beef meld together beautifully, creating a sauce that perfectly coats each piece of penne pasta.

Years ago, I recall a bustling evening in my kitchen, where laughter filled the air. Family gathered around, eager to dig into whatever was bubbling on the stove. I had decided to whip up a version of creamy beef pasta, a recipe that became an instant favorite. Everyone couldn’t get enough of the rich flavors, and it soon became a staple on our dinner table.

This creamy delight makes for an ideal meal any time of the week. With a combination of savory ingredients, it not only satisfies hunger but also warms hearts. You can easily adjust the recipe based on what you have, allowing creativity to flourish alongside delicious simplicity.

The beauty of creamy beef pasta lies in its ease and ability to bring people together, making it a must-try for any home cook looking to impress with minimal effort.

Creamy Beef Pasta Basics

Fundamentals

Creamy beef pasta stems from a few fundamental ingredients that make all the difference. Using lean ground beef ensures your dish maintains a hearty texture while allowing the creamy sauce to shine. The penne pasta acts as the perfect vessel to carry the sauce, providing a satisfying bite.

This recipe centers on the rich combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, which creates a velvety sauce. Incorporating garlic and onion adds layers of flavor. Additionally, Italian seasoning gives the dish an aromatic punch, tying all the elements together.

Preparation/setup

To begin, gather your ingredients: 8 oz of penne pasta, 1 lb of lean ground beef, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Don’t forget essential flavor boosters like 3 cloves of garlic, minced, and 1 medium diced onion. The dish is completed with 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Make sure to have salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of olive oil ready for sautéing.

Start by cooking the penne in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta maintains its bite, enhancing the overall texture of the dish. After draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing

Directions

1. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached.
5. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Elevating Your Creamy Beef Pasta

Technique

The technique behind making creamy beef pasta is straightforward yet incredibly satisfying. The key is to sauté the garlic and onion just until fragrant, ensuring they impart their flavors without burning. Using a cast-iron or nonstick skillet makes it easier to achieve the right sear on the beef while allowing for easy mixing later on.

Once the beef starts to brown, keep breaking it apart with a spatula for an even cook. The gradual addition of cream and pasta water helps in achieving that perfect sauce consistency, creating a luxurious coat for the pasta.

Tips and tricks

1. Choose the right pasta: Penne works wonderfully, but you can experiment with rigatoni or fusilli for different textures.
2. Don’t rush the sauté: Allow the onions and garlic to develop their flavors before adding the beef.
3. Adjust the sauce: Use more or less pasta water to find your desired thickness, ensuring it’s not too runny or thick.
4. Grate fresh cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.

Perfecting Creamy Beef Pasta

Perfecting results

To elevate your creamy beef pasta, ensure you balance the richness of the sauce with seasoning. Taste as you go, adjusting the salt and pepper to suit your palate. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add brightness and freshness, cutting through the creaminess beautifully.

Letting the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta. The flavors meld together, creating a cohesive dish that’s even better the next day.

Troubleshooting and variations

If your sauce seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit more reserved pasta water. On the other hand, if it’s too runny, simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce it.

For variations, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. These can introduce additional textures and flavors into your creamy beef pasta, making each bite even more delightful.

Final Touches for Creamy Beef Pasta

Serving and presentation

Serve your creamy beef pasta in warm bowls or plates, allowing the inviting aroma to entice everyone at the table. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh herbs will give it a professional touch, making your dish look as good as it tastes.

Pairings and storage

Pair this creamy beef pasta with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Allowing the dish to cool before transferring it to an airtight container makes for easy storage. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, ensuring you have leftovers ready for quick meals.

This creamy beef pasta recipe simplifies dinner while bringing hearts together around the table, reminding us that the best meals are made with love. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that come with this dish!

Creamy Beef Pasta

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting dish of penne pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce combined with lean ground beef, garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing

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Instructions

1. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached.
5. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For additional flavors, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the dish significantly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, comfort food, Italian pasta