Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
A delightful and hearty dish featuring rotini pasta in a rich, creamy sauce with savory ground beef, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta & Meat
- 16 oz dried rotini pasta boiled al dente for that perfect bite
- 1 lb lean ground beef preferably 80/20 for optimal flavor and juiciness
- 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing and adding richness
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream makes the dish luxuriously creamy
- 0.5 cups beef broth deepening the savory flavor
- 3 cups sharp yellow cheddar cheese freshly grated for melty goodness
- 1 tsp salt to enhance all the other flavors
- 1 tsp garlic powder for a hint of aromatic depth
- 1 tsp onion powder adding a touch of sweetness
- 1 tsp coarse cracked black pepper delivering a nice bite
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh green parsley finely chopped for freshness and color
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cooking Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the lean ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it’s well cooked and no longer pink.
- Once the beef is cooked, add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef with the spices for about 1-2 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy whipping cream. Stir to combine all the ingredients, allowing the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Gradually add in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the creamy sauce.
Combining and Serving
- Fold in the cooked rotini pasta, ensuring that every piece is coated with the luscious cheese sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can loosen it with a splash of additional beef broth or water.
- Remove from heat and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and watch your family enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!
Notes
For best results, always use freshly grated cheese for a creamier sauce that melts beautifully. Make sure your pasta is cooked al dente to keep a firm texture that holds up in the sauce. Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the beef from sticking, allowing for easy cooking and cleanup. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning as you go!