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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Ground Beef Pasta in 30 Minutes

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This one-pot creamy garlic Parmesan ground beef pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. The pasta cooks directly in the seasoned broth, creating a velvety, flavorful sauce with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Low-Sodium Beef Broth
  • 1 ½ cups Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 8 oz Short Pasta (Penne, Fusilli, or Rigatoni)
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef (5 minutes): Place your large pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once it shimmers, add the ground beef. Break it up with your wooden spoon and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get a nice sear. Then, stir and continue cooking until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Don’t drain the fat unless there’s an excessive amount (more than 2 tablespoons).
  2. Sauté the Aromatics (1 minute): Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Stir constantly for about 30-60 seconds, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Deglaze and Add Liquids (1 minute): Pour in the beef broth, using your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
  4. Cook the Pasta (10-12 minutes): Add the dry pasta to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta should be al dente, and the sauce should have thickened.
  5. Finish with Cheese (2 minutes): Remove the pot from the heat. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir vigorously until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Rest and Serve (2 minutes): Let the pasta sit in the pot for 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to further thicken and cling to the pasta. Give it one final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, grate your own Parmesan cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Remove the pot from the heat before adding the cheese to prevent it from seizing. If using leaner ground beef, add a tablespoon of olive oil. For a lighter version, swap half the heavy cream for whole milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan ground beef pasta, one pot pasta, quick weeknight dinner, 30 minute meal, ground beef pasta

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