One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

$- 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 4 cups beef broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup frozen peas - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process smooth and fun. I love using fresh tomatoes for a burst of flavor. You can also adjust the seasonings to fit your taste. If you want a bit more heat, add some red pepper flakes. In this recipe, the ground beef provides protein and flavor. The heavy cream makes the pasta rich and creamy. You can use any pasta shape, but penne holds sauce well. Don’t forget the peas! They add a nice pop of color and sweetness. You can find the full recipe at the end of this section. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make and tastes great. Enjoy your cooking! - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and sauté for 3-4 minutes. The onion should turn soft and fragrant. - Next, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another minute while stirring. This helps to unlock the garlic's flavor without burning it. - Now, add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot. - Use a wooden spoon to break the beef apart. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown. - Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning. Stir well to mix the flavors. - Pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil. - Add 12 ounces of penne pasta and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir to combine everything well. - Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. - After about 10-12 minutes, check the pasta. It should be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed. - Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of frozen peas. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through. - Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. For the complete recipe, refer to the section titled Full Recipe. To get the best creaminess in your dish, add the cream slowly. This helps it blend well. Stir gently while adding, so it mixes evenly. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. You can also adjust the sauce's thickness with beef broth. If it feels too thick, add a little broth until you reach your desired consistency. To boost the flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika. These spices add warmth and depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also work well. For a nice finish, top your dish with grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh basil leaves give a pop of color and taste great too. Feel free to switch up the pasta! You can use spaghetti, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Each type brings a unique texture. If you prefer, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat. These options create a different flavor while still being delicious. {{image_4}} If you want a meatless dish, try using lentils or mushrooms instead of beef. Lentils cook quickly and add a nice texture. Mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor. You can use about 1 cup of cooked lentils or 8 ounces of chopped mushrooms. Cook them in the same way as the beef. The dish will still be creamy and delicious! For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available now. Choose a shape you like, such as penne or fusilli. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Your creamy beef pasta will still taste amazing! To make the dish even better, try adding spinach or bell peppers. Spinach adds color and nutrients. You can stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach at the end. Bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. Use one medium bell pepper, diced, and add it with the onions. These additions not only boost flavor but also make the dish look more appealing. To store leftovers properly, let the pasta cool first. Place the creamy beef pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, check for any smell or texture changes before reheating. Freezing cooked pasta is easy. Use a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the container with the date. You can freeze the pasta for up to three months. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after thawing. To reheat your pasta, use a pot on low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir slowly until it heats through. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the flavors bright and tasty. This dish takes about 30 minutes to make. You need around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and beef as directed. Cool it down and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready, just reheat it on the stove. You may need to add a splash of broth to bring back the creaminess. You can pair this dish with several sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread is a great choice for soaking up the creamy sauce. You might also enjoy steamed broccoli or a side of roasted vegetables. Absolutely! You can add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just chop them up and add them when you stir in the cream and peas. This adds color and boosts the nutrition in your meal. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for options. This blog post covered all you need to make One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta. We explored key ingredients, from ground beef to creamy goodness. You learned how to cook each component step by step. We also shared tips to enhance flavor and variations for different diets. With these details, you can create a tasty dish for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, and make this recipe your own!$

Discover the ultimate dinner solution with One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta! This simple and delicious recipe brings cozy flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. Combining ground beef, creamy sauce, and pasta all in one pot, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, with easy variations and storage tips, you'll want to keep this dish in your weekly rotation. Click through to explore the full recipe and get cooking today!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

4 cups beef broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup frozen peas

1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.

Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring continuously to prevent it from burning.

Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning.

Combine Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir well to combine, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Pasta: Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Incorporate Cream and Peas: Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mixture is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.

Rest and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 2 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

- Serving Tips: Serve the creamy beef pasta hot, generously topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a light sprinkle of additional Italian seasoning on top!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4