When you need a meal that hugs you back, this Creamy Beef Pasta is the answer. Think of it as the ultimate homemade “Hamburger Helper,” but infinitely better. It features savory ground beef and tender pasta shells enveloped in a rich, cheesy tomato cream sauce. It’s hearty, filling, and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a weeknight savior for busy families. The best part? It uses real ingredients like cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and fresh aromatics—no powdered sauce packets here.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Skillet Wonder
While you do boil the pasta separately, the rest of the magic happens in one large deep skillet. The beef, onions, garlic, and sauce all simmer together to build layers of flavor. It’s a fuss-free meal that minimizes dishwashing and maximizes satisfaction.
Kid-Friendly & Customizable
This is one of those meals that picky eaters devour. The creamy pink sauce is mild yet flavorful, and the cheese makes it irresistible. You can easily sneak in veggies like diced zucchini, spinach, or peppers without anyone complaining. It’s a flexible base recipe that you can adapt to whatever is in your fridge.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta shells (medium)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Boil pasta and drain.
- Brown beef and onion in skillet. Drain fat.
- Add garlic, seasoning, and tomato sauce. Simmer 5 mins.
- Stir in cream and cheese until melted.
- Toss pasta in sauce and serve.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Ground Beef: Lean beef (90/10) works best to avoid a greasy sauce.
Pasta Shells: Medium shells are perfect because they cup the meat sauce.
Tomato Sauce: Canned tomato sauce provides the tangy base.
Heavy Cream: Turns the red sauce into a luxurious creamy rose sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts best and adds a punch of flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme.
Smart Substitutions
Ground turkey or Italian sausage makes a great substitute for beef. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a block of cream cheese for a tangier sauce. Gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this recipe; just be careful not to overcook it before adding it to the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Boil a large pot of salted water for the pasta. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Shred the cheddar cheese (freshly shredded melts smoother than pre-bagged).
Cooking Phase
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until the sauce is smooth, orange, and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently until the pasta is coated in the sauce and heated through.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
To prevent the sauce from breaking (becoming oily), reduce the heat before adding the cheese and cream. If the sauce boils vigorously after adding dairy, it can curdle. Also, reserve a splash of pasta water. If your sauce gets too thick once the pasta is added, the starchy water will loosen it up perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overcook the pasta! Drain it when it is al dente (still has a bite). It will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce. Mushy pasta can ruin the texture of the dish.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve immediately in deep bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Pairing Suggestions
Since this is a heavy meal, serve it with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some roasted broccoli to balance the richness. If you enjoy this savory beef pasta, try our Beef and Noodles (Savory & Rich) for a mushroom-gravy based variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I freeze this?
Pasta with cream sauce can separate when frozen. It is best eaten fresh or from the fridge (3 days).
Q2? Can I use marinara sauce?
Yes, marinara works great and adds more herbal flavor than plain tomato sauce.
Q3? Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef Pasta is comfort food at its finest. Rich, cheesy, and savory, it’s a meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves clean plates behind.
