This Creamy Stovetop Ground Beef Pasta is the definition of a comforting, hearty weeknight dinner. Made with simple ingredients and cooked all in one skillet, it offers a rich, savory flavor from seasoned beef, smooth sour cream, and sharp cheddar. The magic of this dish lies in its balance—tender pasta shells soak up all the meaty, creamy goodness, giving you the perfect bite every time.
Great for busy families and solo cooks alike, this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal cleanup. It’s a lifesaver on rushed evenings, yet indulgent enough to serve guests who crave something filling and flavorful. Whether you’re craving nostalgic comfort or a new dinner staple, this stovetop pasta is the kind of dependable classic that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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2 cups pasta shells or penne
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups beef broth
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1 cup milk
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft.
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Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Add pasta, beef broth, milk, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 12–15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
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Once pasta is cooked, remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Stovetop Ground Beef Pasta
Creamy Stovetop Ground Beef Pasta is the epitome of weeknight comfort food—a warm, satisfying dish that brings together the richness of ground beef, the silky texture of a creamy cheese sauce, and the heartiness of pasta into one cohesive and delicious meal. It’s a recipe that appeals to kids and adults alike, thanks to its simple yet bold flavors and the irresistible creaminess that coats every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or preparing dinner for two, this dish checks all the boxes: easy, quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It uses everyday pantry staples that are budget-friendly and widely available, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. With just one pan and about 30 minutes, you get a complete meal that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. This makes it a go-to option when you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
The Secret Behind Its Irresistible Creaminess
One of the standout features of this recipe is its luscious, creamy sauce. Unlike heavier baked pasta dishes, this stovetop version delivers richness without overwhelming the palate. The secret lies in the combination of sour cream and shredded cheese, which blend together with beef broth and milk to create a velvety sauce that hugs the pasta perfectly. The beef adds depth and umami, while the pasta absorbs all that saucy goodness, transforming into a crave-worthy comfort meal.
This method of creating a creamy sauce on the stovetop is not only efficient but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully in one pan. The result is a balanced, creamy, and savory flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. The mild tang of the sour cream cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese, ensuring that the dish never feels too heavy.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights and Family Dinners
This dish is designed with real life in mind. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you’re juggling work, school, or errands, and just need something filling and comforting without too much effort. It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes dishes and clean-up time, which makes it even more appealing for weeknight meals.
Families with picky eaters will especially appreciate this dish. The creamy texture and familiar flavors make it a favorite among kids, while adults can enjoy the savory notes and comforting warmth it brings. You can also easily double the recipe for larger gatherings or save leftovers for meal prep.
Easily Customizable to Suit Any Taste
Another reason to fall in love with Creamy Stovetop Ground Beef Pasta is its flexibility. The base recipe is fantastic as-is, but it also welcomes customization. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase the nutrient value and add texture. Want to spice things up? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can give it a little kick.
If you’re trying to cut back on red meat, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You could even use a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version. The pasta shape is also interchangeable—use penne, rotini, shells, or whatever you have in your pantry. This adaptability means you can make this meal suit your dietary preferences and what’s available in your kitchen.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
This is the kind of dish that kids will request again and again. It has all the elements they love—tender pasta, melty cheese, and a creamy texture. It’s also ideal for serving guests or bringing to potlucks and family gatherings, where comfort food is always a welcome offering.
To make it even more kid-friendly, you can omit onions or strong seasonings if your little ones are sensitive to them, and simply top the finished pasta with more cheese or even crispy breadcrumbs for added texture. On the other hand, you can also elevate it for adults with gourmet toppings like fresh herbs, parmesan shavings, or a drizzle of truffle oil.
Ideal for Make-Ahead and Meal Prep
This pasta dish keeps well in the fridge, making it a strong contender for weekly meal prep. Simply divide into portions, store in airtight containers, and reheat throughout the week for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Because it’s so filling, even small portions can serve as a complete meal.
Reheating is simple and doesn’t compromise the dish’s creaminess. A quick warm-up on the stove or in the microwave, with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed, brings it back to its original creamy glory.
Nutritionally Balanced and Hearty
While it leans into indulgent territory with its cheesy sauce, this dish still provides a good balance of macronutrients. The ground beef offers a great source of protein and iron, essential for energy and muscle function. Pasta provides the carbs you need to feel full and energized, and the addition of sour cream and cheese contributes calcium and healthy fats.
To make it more nutrient-dense, simply stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. These greens will wilt right into the sauce, adding fiber, vitamins, and a pop of color without changing the flavor too much.
Tips for the Best Creamy Stovetop Pasta
For the best results, choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well—like shells, rotini, or penne. These types trap the creamy beef sauce in their grooves or pockets, giving you maximum flavor in every bite. Don’t overcook the pasta; since it simmers in the broth and milk, it will continue to absorb liquid even after the heat is turned off.
Also, be sure to use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly and creates a silkier sauce. Stir the cheese in after removing the skillet from heat to avoid clumping or curdling, and adjust the seasonings to your taste before serving.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
While there are countless creamy pasta recipes out there, what makes this one stand out is the simplicity of its process combined with the comfort factor of a home-cooked meal. It’s approachable for beginners but still satisfying enough for experienced cooks looking for a no-fuss dinner. The fact that it’s made in a single pan adds major convenience, and the ingredients are flexible enough to suit a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.
It’s not just another pasta night—it’s a cozy, creamy, flavor-packed experience that turns pantry basics into something genuinely crave-worthy.
Conclusion
Creamy Stovetop Ground Beef Pasta is more than just a quick meal—it’s comfort in a bowl. It’s perfect for hectic weeknights, feeding a crowd, or curling up with a cozy dish that reminds you of home. With its rich and creamy sauce, satisfying pasta texture, and hearty beef, this recipe delivers big flavor with little effort.
Its adaptability makes it easy to tweak based on what you have in the fridge or pantry, and its universally loved taste makes it a hit at any table. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting family dinner, or just craving something indulgent and easy, this one-pot pasta is guaranteed to satisfy.
Bring it to your kitchen and make it your own—after one taste, you’ll understand why it deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.