This One Pot Quick and Easy Creamy Ground Beef Pasta features tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a velvety cream sauce, all cooked together in a single pot for a comforting, fuss-free dinner.
Author:Emily
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:One Pot
Cuisine:American-Italian
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 1/2 tbsp butter
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian herbs
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or chili flakes (optional)
3 1/2 cups (820 ml) chicken stock or broth
2 cups (250 g) penne pasta or any pasta of your choice
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1/4 cup (30 g) mozzarella cheese (optional)
Parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Season with salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
Add the pasta and stir well. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and mozzarella cheese, if using. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use any short pasta shape you prefer.
Add more broth if needed while cooking to prevent sticking.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.