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Weeknight Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 64 reviews

This Weeknight Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy evenings. Featuring al dente pasta tossed in a rich, creamy tomato and ground beef sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley, this recipe is straightforward yet deeply satisfying for the whole family.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 16 ounces pasta

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, diced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 16 ounces ground beef
  • 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • Pinch of baking soda
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Onions: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally for 6-8 minutes, allowing the onions to brown and caramelize slightly.
  3. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the diced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste. Cook while stirring constantly for about one minute until fragrant.
  4. Brown Ground Beef: Push the cooked vegetables to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center. Add the ground beef into the center and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through. Allow the meat juices to loosen any browned bits on the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
  5. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, pinch of baking soda, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Finish Sauce with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese along with a few more pinches of salt and pepper. Cook the sauce for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and creamy.
  7. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss well to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, savory finish.
  9. Enjoy: Plate up and enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish any night of the week!

Notes

  • Use any pasta shape you prefer, although rigatoni or penne works best to hold onto the creamy sauce.
  • The pinch of baking soda helps reduce the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
  • For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though it will be less rich.
  • Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick if desired.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/weeknight-creamy-ground-beef-pasta-recipe/