If you’re searching for a comforting, rich, and irresistibly flavorful dish, this Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Recipe just might become your new weeknight hero. It combines tender, perfectly cooked pasta with savory, browned ground beef all wrapped in a luscious, cheesy sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every bite offers that perfect balance of creamy texture and hearty satisfaction, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you make this dish, you’ll understand why it earns a spot among all-time comfort food favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each ingredient plays an important role—whether it’s bringing bold flavor, creamy texture, or a beautiful cheesy melt that coats every bite.
- 12 oz short pasta shapes: Shells work wonderfully here, soaking up that rich sauce perfectly.
- 1 to 1½ pounds ground beef: Choose lean or regular to suit your preference—this is the hearty backbone of the dish.
- ½ cup diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth as it cooks with the beef.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Garlic is a game-changer, elevating the savory profile with every mouthful.
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (to taste): Essential seasonings to make the beef pop with flavor.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: A secret weapon to keep the creamy sauce smooth and luscious without breaking or graininess.
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk: Adds creamy richness that’s lighter than heavy cream but just as comforting.
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon: Boosts the savory, meaty notes in the sauce immensely.
- 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for that bold cheesy punch that melts superbly.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty dimension to the sauce’s flavor.
- 1 cup pasta cooking water: The starchy pasta water helps loosen the sauce to the perfect consistency when needed.
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by boiling your chosen pasta until it’s just al dente, meaning it still has a slight firmness to the bite. This texture is important because it will continue to absorb the sauce without becoming mushy. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining, because that liquid gold is going to help you create a perfectly smooth and creamy sauce later.
Step 2: Brown and blot the ground beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook your ground beef together with the diced onion and minced garlic. Season it well with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder as it sizzles. Once the beef is nicely browned, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too heavy but still rich with flavor.
Step 3: Make the stabilizer slurry
While the beef cooks, whisk the cornstarch into the cold can of evaporated milk thoroughly. This mixture works as an essential stabilizer—ensuring your creamy sauce holds together with a silky texture instead of separating or turning grainy once you introduce the cheese.
Step 4: Build the sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then add the beef bouillon and pour in the evaporated milk and cornstarch mixture. Stir gently and allow it to simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken just a bit. Be gentle here—avoid boiling to keep everything smooth and luscious.
Step 5: Add the cheese
Turn the heat down to low and fold in your shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses. Mix until the sauce becomes glossy, luxuriously creamy, and every bit inviting. If the sauce appears too thick, thin it out with a spoonful or two of your reserved pasta water until it reaches that ideal velvety consistency.
Step 6: Toss and serve
Gently combine your cooked pasta with the cheesy, beefy sauce over low heat, allowing the sauce to cling to every piece. This final step takes a few minutes but totally transforms the dish, making it irresistibly smooth and evenly coated. Serve your Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Recipe piping hot for the ultimate comfort experience.
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate this dish instantly. Try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil on top to add a burst of fresh color and subtle herbaceous notes that balance the richness. Grated extra Parmesan works beautifully too, offering a final salty touch that melts slightly as it meets the warm sauce.
Side Dishes
Since this Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Recipe is rich and filling on its own, sides should be lighter and fresh. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed sautéed veggies like broccoli or green beans provide a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also perfect if you want to soak up every last bit of that cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins and finish under the broiler with an extra sprinkle of cheese for a golden bubbly crust. You can also turn it into a casserole by transferring to a baking dish, topping with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and baking until bubbly and crisp on top. These ideas add texture and a touch of elegance to your everyday comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after a day, making it even more satisfying on round two. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well, perfect for busy weeks. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy. The cheeses may slightly change texture, but the dish remains delicious and comforting.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to refresh the sauce’s creaminess as it warms. Stir often to prevent sticking or drying out. You can also microwave leftovers covered in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan create the perfect harmony in this Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Recipe, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness, gouda for smoky notes, or pepper jack for a little kick.
Is evaporated milk necessary?
Evaporated milk is key to achieving that smooth, creamy richness without heaviness. You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce might be less thick and silky. Just adjust the cornstarch accordingly for best results.
What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta shapes like shells, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal because they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Long pasta like spaghetti tends not to coat as evenly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s possible with some tweaks! Use a dairy-free evaporated milk substitute and plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well. The sauce texture might vary, but the heartiness of the ground beef and pasta remains delicious.
What can I add to make this dish more vegetable-packed?
Great idea! Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or peas during Step 5 when you add the cheese. This boosts nutrition and adds delightful colors and textures to your comforting Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about pulling together simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal like this Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes you home with warmth and comfort every single time. Whether you’re feeding family or craving cozy alone-time eats, I hope you give this recipe a go—it’s destined to become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!
Print
Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender short pasta shells tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce made with evaporated milk, ground beef, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this meal comes together quickly in about 30 minutes and serves six. The use of cornstarch ensures a smooth, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, while simple seasonings enhance the savory flavors. It’s a delicious, family-friendly classic that’s satisfying and perfect when you need a hearty, cheesy dinner fast.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz short pasta shapes (like shells)
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 to 1½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste
Sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the starchy cooking water to adjust the sauce texture later if needed. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown and blot: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with diced onion and minced garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- The stabilizer slurry: While the meat cooks, whisk the cornstarch into the cold evaporated milk until there are no lumps. This slurry will help stabilize the cream sauce and prevent it from curdling when the cheese is added.
- Build the sauce: Reduce heat to medium, then stir in the beef bouillon along with the milk and cornstarch mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef. Allow it to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Avoid bringing it to a boil to maintain smooth texture.
- Add the cheese: Turn the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes glossy and creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Toss and serve: Fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce over low heat, stirring gently until every piece is coated and the sauce clings beautifully to the noodles. This step will take a few minutes as the sauce thickens further. Serve immediately while hot and velvety for the best experience.
Notes
- Note 1: Using evaporated milk creates a rich and creamy base without adding heavy cream, keeping this dish lighter.
- Note 2: Adjust the amount of cheddar cheese based on how cheesy you want the sauce.
- Note 3: Draining excess grease helps prevent the dish from becoming overly greasy and keeps the flavors balanced.
