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Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 134 reviews

This Irresistible Creamy Beef Pasta combines tender ground beef with a rich, creamy marinara sauce and perfectly cooked rigatoni or penne pasta. The dish is enhanced with garlic, onions, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of fresh herbs, making it a hearty and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Beef and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended for best flavor)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 16 oz rigatoni or penne pasta (1 box)

Sauce

  • 24 oz marinara sauce (1 jar, good quality without added sugar)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (full-fat)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, freshly grated preferred
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni or penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside without rinsing to retain starch for sauce adhesion.
  2. Sauté Onion: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet or 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is completely browned. For beef with higher fat content than 85/15, drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon; if using 85/15 or leaner, no draining is needed.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, to enhance flavor without bitterness.
  5. Simmer Marinara Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully incorporated. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, creating a rich, creamy texture.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time to achieve desired consistency.
  8. Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired, to add a fresh, aromatic touch.

Notes

  • Use 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor and suitable fat content.
  • Do not rinse the pasta after cooking to maintain starch that helps sauce cling better.
  • Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water, adding gradually to avoid thinning.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor more than pre-grated.
  • Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/creamy-beef-pasta-recipe/