Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for catching all that creamy sauce in its spirals, this recipe works well with penne, farfalle (bow tie), or even spaghetti. Just be sure to cook whatever pasta you choose to al dente before adding it to the sauce.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

You can make a lighter version by substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk (though the sauce won't be quite as rich). You could also use part-skim mozzarella instead of cheddar for less fat, and lean ground turkey instead of beef.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?

This pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare the meat sauce up to the point before adding cream and cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the pasta fresh, and finish with the cream and cheese just before serving.

My sauce seems too runny. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce is thinner than you'd like, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. Alternatively, you can make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water, then stir this into the simmering sauce to thicken it quickly.

Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup); 2 pounds lean ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1/4 cup flour; 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 cup beef broth; 1 pound Rotini pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese; Parsley (fresh or dried)

This Creamy Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and rich cheese into one spectacular dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy tomato sauce coats every twist of the rotini pasta, ensuring each bite delivers maximum flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Satisfying: The combination of protein-packed beef, al dente pasta, and creamy cheese sauce creates a dish that’s genuinely filling and comforting.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist this pasta! The familiar flavors and creamy texture make it an instant hit with kids and adults alike.
One-Pan Wonder: While you do need to cook the pasta separately, the sauce comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup time.
Versatile Base Recipe: Once you master this recipe, you can easily customize it with different proteins, veggies, or pasta shapes to keep dinner interesting all year round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing your onions and beef, adding a subtle fruity undertone to the dish.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet aromatic base that builds the flavor foundation of the sauce.
Lean ground beef: The star protein that makes this pasta hearty and filling. Using lean beef gives you flavor without excessive grease.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that unmistakable punch that takes this dish from good to great.
Dried herbs (basil and oregano): These Italian classics infuse the sauce with warmth and depth without requiring fresh herbs.
Salt: Kosher salt enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
Crushed red pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the richness of the sauce without overwhelming the palate.
Flour: Acts as a thickening agent that helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Tomato sauce: Provides the acidic tomato base that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
Beef broth: Adds savory depth and thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Rotini pasta: The spiral shape is perfect for catching and holding the creamy sauce in every bite.
Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, velvety texture that makes this pasta irresistible.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a tangy richness and helps thicken the sauce while melting beautifully throughout.
Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh pop of color and subtle herby note.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Spicier

Double the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a sauce with more kick. You could also add some diced jalapeños with the onions for another layer of heat.

Veggie Boost

This recipe is fantastic with added vegetables! Try stirring in spinach leaves just before adding the pasta, or add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini when sautéing the onions.

Different Cheese Options

While sharp cheddar is delicious, this recipe works beautifully with Italian cheese blends, pepper jack for some spice, or even a combination of mozzarella and parmesan for a more traditional Italian flavor profile.

Protein Swap

Not in the mood for beef? Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even plant-based meat alternatives work wonderfully in this recipe with minimal adjustments.

How to Make Creamy Beef Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté for 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent. This step builds the flavor foundation for your sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the softened onions. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and return the skillet to the heat to prevent your sauce from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Season and Thicken

With the heat still on medium, add the minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt, crushed red pepper, and flour to the beef mixture. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. This step toasts the spices and coats the beef with flour, which will help thicken your sauce to the perfect consistency.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring well to combine with the beef mixture and dissolve any flour lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly during this time as flavors meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce simmers, cook the rotini according to package directions in a separate pot of salted water. Cook until al dente – tender but still firm to the bite. Drain well when done.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Add the heavy cream and drained pasta directly to the sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece of pasta with the creamy sauce. Finally, add the grated cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the rotini just until al dente – it will continue cooking slightly when added to the hot sauce.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Grating your own cheddar results in a silkier sauce.
Layer Your Flavors: Don’t rush the onion sautéing step – those caramelized flavors create depth in your final dish.
Adjust the Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick after adding the pasta, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it to your preferred consistency.
Let It Rest: Allowing the finished dish to sit for 5 minutes before serving helps the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency and allows flavors to fully develop.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf makes an excellent side for sopping up extra sauce.

Wine Suggestions

If you’re enjoying this pasta for a dinner party or date night, consider serving it with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot that can stand up to the richness without overwhelming the flavors.

Family-Style Serving

For casual family dinners, serve this pasta in a large, shallow bowl with serving utensils so everyone can help themselves to a perfect portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop overnight, making next-day leftovers particularly delicious.

Freezing

While cream-based pastas aren’t always the best candidates for freezing, you can freeze this dish if needed. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. The texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess as you stir. Microwave reheating works too – cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, a tablespoon or two of milk or cream will bring it back to its original consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for catching all that creamy sauce in its spirals, this recipe works well with penne, farfalle (bow tie), or even spaghetti. Just be sure to cook whatever pasta you choose to al dente before adding it to the sauce.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

You can make a lighter version by substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk (though the sauce won’t be quite as rich). You could also use part-skim mozzarella instead of cheddar for less fat, and lean ground turkey instead of beef.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?

This pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare the meat sauce up to the point before adding cream and cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the pasta fresh, and finish with the cream and cheese just before serving.
My sauce seems too runny. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce is thinner than you’d like, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. Alternatively, you can make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water, then stir this into the simmering sauce to thicken it quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Beef Pasta is more than just a quick weeknight meal – it’s a bowl of comfort that brings everyone to the table with smiles. The perfect balance of creamy tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and tender pasta creates a dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for magnificent leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this pasta delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!