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image of fresh ground beef raw pasta penne onion garlic canned tomatoes tomato paste olive oil Italian seasoning parmesan cheese heavy cream fresh basil parsley arranged on white marble kitchen counter with clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
adam saha

Ground Beef Pasta in 30 Minutes

A creamy, flavorful ground beef pasta dish prepared in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy skillet meal combines tender ground beef with a rich tomato-based sauce, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Penne, Shells, or Rotini
For the Ground Beef Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Beef (85/15 or 90/10)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion, Finely Diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic, Minced
  • 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup Beef Broth
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, Grated
  • 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Pot for Boiling Pasta
  • Wooden spoon
  • - Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander for Draining Pasta

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
  1. Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the paste and herbs. Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, reserved ground beef, and Dijon mustard.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Finish the Dish
  1. Add half of the reserved pasta water gradually, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  2. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, or add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
  3. Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat by adding a splash of milk, cream, or beef broth to restore creaminess. This dish can be easily adapted to include vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach.
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