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One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 11 reviews

This One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta is an incredibly easy and comforting American main dish, featuring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious, cheesy cream sauce made with sharp white cheddar and parmesan. Cooked all in one pot on the stovetop, it’s a flavorful weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 lb ground beef (grass-fed recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

Produce and Seasonings

  • 1 large shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pantry

  • 1 lb dried short-cut pasta (rigatoni preferred)
  • 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken or beef broth

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into crumbles using a wooden utensil. Cook until browned all over, about 6-7 minutes. Season the beef with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
  2. Sauté the Shallot: Add the finely chopped shallot to the pot with the beef. Stir everything together and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the shallot softens and becomes fragrant.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Pour in the dried pasta and broth, stirring well to combine. Cover the pot with a lid and let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes or until it is fully cooked al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Add Cream and Cheese: Turn off the heat. Pour in the heavy cream along with the shredded sharp white cheddar and grated parmesan cheeses. Stir thoroughly to create a creamy sauce coating the pasta and beef.
  5. Let the Sauce Meld: Cover the pot again and allow the pasta to sit for at least 10 minutes. This resting time helps the cheese melt fully and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
  6. Serve: Spoon the creamy beef pasta onto plates, optionally topping with additional parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting one-pot meal!

Notes

  • Use grass-fed beef for a richer flavor and better nutrition.
  • Adjust salt and pepper based on your taste preferences.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the dish will be less rich.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick if desired.
  • If the pasta absorbs too much liquid and gets dry, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American