Key Takeaways:
- Ready in just 25 minutes with simple pantry ingredients
- Creamy garlic butter sauce coats every strand perfectly
- Perfect comfort food that feeds 4 people generously
- No tomatoes needed – rich, savory flavors shine through
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Pasta No Tomato Sauce
Tired of the same old spaghetti and marinara routine? This ground beef pasta no tomato sauce recipe changes everything.
I created this dish after realizing my family craved something creamy and comforting without the acidity of tomatoes. The result? A rich, garlicky pasta that’s become our weeknight hero.
This ground beef pasta no tomato sauce delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The secret lies in building layers of taste through proper browning and a silky cream-based sauce that clings to every bite. When you’re looking for comfort food that doesn’t rely on traditional red sauce, this ground beef pasta no tomato sauce hits every craving perfectly.
Nutrition Comparison (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 485 | 24% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Carbs | 42g | 14% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sodium | 650mg | 28% |
Equipment & Ingredients for Ground Beef Pasta No Tomato Sauce
Kitchen Tools Needed
| Equipment | Purpose | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Large skillet (12-inch) | Browning beef and making sauce | Dutch oven or wide pot |
| Large pot (4-quart) | Boiling pasta | Any large cooking pot |
| Colander | Draining pasta | Fine mesh strainer |
| Wooden spoon | Stirring and breaking up beef | Heat-safe spatula |
| Measuring cups | Accurate portions | Kitchen scale |
| Sharp knife | Chopping onion and garlic | Chef’s knife |
| Cutting board | Prep surface | Any clean surface |
Full Ingredients List (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (85/15) | 1 pound | Don’t go leaner – need the fat |
| Penne pasta | 12 oz | Any short pasta works |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Must be room temperature |
| Garlic cloves | 4 large | Minced fresh, not jarred |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | Diced small and even |
| Beef broth | ½ cup | Low sodium preferred |
| Parmesan cheese | ¾ cup | Freshly grated only |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Extra virgin quality |
| Butter | 3 tbsp | Unsalted, room temperature |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Or homemade herb blend |
| Salt | To taste | Start with ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Fresh parsley | ¼ cup | Chopped for garnish |
Smart Substitutions
- Pasta alternatives: Rigatoni, rotini, or shells work beautifully
- Cream substitute: Half-and-half plus 2 tbsp flour (whisk well)
- Cheese options: Pecorino Romano or Asiago
- Herb variations: Fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Ground Beef Pasta No Tomato Sauce
Preparation Phase (10 minutes) – Getting Everything Ready
Step 1: Start the Pasta Water (2 minutes) Fill your largest pot with water until it’s about 2/3 full. Add 1 tablespoon of salt – this might seem like a lot, but pasta water should taste like mild seawater. Place the pot on your stove’s largest burner and turn heat to high. Cover with a lid to make it boil faster. While you wait, you’ll prep everything else.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables (3 minutes) Take your medium onion and peel off the papery outer layer. Cut it in half from top to bottom, then lay each half flat on your cutting board. Make horizontal cuts about ¼-inch apart, being careful not to cut all the way through. Then make vertical cuts to create small, even dice pieces. You want them small so they cook quickly and blend into the sauce.
For the garlic, smash each clove with the flat side of your knife – this makes peeling easier. Remove the papery skin, then mince the garlic as finely as possible. Don’t use a garlic press here – hand-minced garlic releases more flavor.
Step 3: Prep Your Ingredients (3 minutes) Take your ground beef out of the refrigerator now. Cold meat won’t brown properly, so let it come closer to room temperature. Measure out your heavy cream and let it sit on the counter – cold cream can curdle when added to hot ingredients.
Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh if you haven’t already. Pre-grated cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Set all your measured ingredients near your stove so you can grab them quickly during cooking.
Step 4: Check Your Water (2 minutes) Your water should be starting to bubble now. Once it reaches a rolling boil (big bubbles breaking the surface constantly), it’s ready for pasta. If it’s not boiling yet, continue with the next steps – you’ll add pasta later.
Assembly Steps (15 minutes) – Building the Flavors
Step 5: Start Cooking the Pasta (1 minute) When your water is at a full rolling boil, add your pasta. Stir immediately with a long spoon to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions minus 1 minute – so if the box says 10 minutes, cook for 9. The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, which helps it absorb more flavor. Set a timer so you don’t forget!
Step 6: Heat Your Skillet (1 minute) Place your large skillet on a burner set to medium-high heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers and moves easily around the pan – this takes about 1-2 minutes. If the oil starts smoking, your heat is too high.
Step 7: Brown the Ground Beef – First Stage (4 minutes) Add your ground beef to the hot skillet. Here’s the crucial part: don’t touch it! Resist the urge to stir or break it up immediately. Let it sit undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. You should hear it sizzling. This creates a beautiful brown crust that adds incredible flavor to your ground beef pasta no tomato sauce.
Step 8: Break Up and Continue Browning (4 minutes) Now use your wooden spoon to break the beef into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains. The beef should be deeply browned all over – this takes about 4-5 more minutes total. If you see excess grease pooling (more than 2-3 tablespoons), drain some off, but leave a little for flavor.
Step 9: Add the Onions (3 minutes) Push all the browned beef to one side of your skillet. In the empty space, add your diced onion. Don’t mix it with the beef yet – let the onions cook in the beef drippings for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and become translucent. This technique keeps the beef from overcooking while the onions catch up.
Step 10: Add Garlic (1 minute) Add your minced garlic to the onions. Stir gently and cook for just 30 seconds until you can smell that amazing garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it burn – burnt garlic tastes bitter and will ruin your sauce. If it starts browning too fast, remove the pan from heat temporarily.
Step 11: Combine Everything (1 minute) Now stir the beef, onions, and garlic together. Let them mingle for about 1 minute so all the flavors start combining. Your kitchen should smell incredible at this point!
Cooking Phase – Creating the Creamy Sauce (8 minutes)
Step 12: Deglaze with Beef Broth (2 minutes) Pour the ½ cup of beef broth into your skillet. You’ll hear it sizzle and steam – that’s perfect! Use your wooden spoon to scrape up all those beautiful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits are pure flavor and will make your ground beef pasta no tomato sauce taste restaurant-quality. Let the broth simmer for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 13: Add Butter and Seasonings (1 minute) Add your 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Watch it melt and bubble. Once it’s completely melted, add your Italian seasoning, salt (start with ½ teaspoon), and black pepper. Stir everything together so the seasonings distribute evenly.
Step 14: Add the Heavy Cream – The Critical Step (3 minutes) Turn your heat down to medium-low – this is very important! Hot cream can curdle if the temperature is too high. Slowly pour in your room-temperature heavy cream while stirring constantly with your wooden spoon. Pour in a thin stream, not all at once. Keep stirring as you pour to prevent the cream from separating.
Step 15: Simmer the Sauce (2 minutes) Let your sauce simmer very gently for 2-3 minutes. You want small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the back of your spoon. If it gets too thick, you can thin it with a little pasta water later. Taste and adjust seasoning – you might need more salt or pepper.
Finishing Steps – Bringing It All Together (3 minutes)
Step 16: Check Your Pasta (30 seconds) Your pasta should be almost done by now. Test a piece – it should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). If it needs another minute, that’s fine. When it’s ready, save ½ cup of the pasta water before draining – this starchy water is liquid gold for adjusting your sauce consistency.
Step 17: Drain the Pasta (30 seconds) Drain your pasta in the colander, but don’t rinse it! You want that starchy coating to help the sauce stick. Give the colander a gentle shake to remove excess water.
Step 18: Combine Pasta and Sauce (1 minute) Add the drained pasta directly to your skillet with the beef and cream sauce. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Every piece of pasta should be coated with that creamy, beefy goodness. This is where your ground beef pasta no tomato sauce really comes together!
Step 19: Add the Parmesan (1 minute) Remove the skillet from heat (this prevents the cheese from getting stringy). Add ½ cup of your freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss until it melts into the sauce, creating an even creamier texture. If the sauce seems too thick, add your reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect consistency.
Step 20: Final Taste and Garnish (30 seconds) Taste your ground beef pasta no tomato sauce and adjust seasonings one final time. Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan as needed. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley over the top for color and extra flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sauce too thin? Simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes to reduce. Add more Parmesan for thickness.
Sauce separated? Remove from heat immediately. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of pasta water at a time until smooth.
Beef too greasy? Drain excess fat after browning, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
Pasta overcooked? Next time, undercook pasta by 2 minutes since it continues cooking in the sauce.
Creative Variations for Your Ground Beef Pasta No Tomato Sauce
Veggie-Packed Version
Add diced bell peppers with the onion. Throw in some spinach during the last minute of cooking.
Spicy Kick
Include ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic. A dash of hot sauce works too.
Mushroom Lovers
Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms after browning the beef. They add amazing umami depth.
Herb Garden
Replace Italian seasoning with fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage. Use about 1 tablespoon total.
If you enjoyed this creamy approach to pasta, you might love our ground pork pasta for another protein-packed option, or try our grilled chicken pasta for a lighter twist.
Storage & Reheating Your Ground Beef Pasta No Tomato Sauce
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream when reheating. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Microwave works too – use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds.
Freezing: This dish freezes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Safety Notes & Pro Tips
Food safety: Ground beef must reach 160°F internal temperature. When in doubt, use a meat thermometer.
Cream temperature matters: Room temperature cream incorporates better and won’t curdle as easily.
Pasta water is liquid gold: That starchy water helps bind everything together beautifully.
Fresh vs. pre-grated cheese: Fresh Parmesan melts smoother and tastes infinitely better.
Don’t rush the browning: Those caramelized bits create the foundation of flavor for your entire dish.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4 people generously
This ground beef pasta no tomato sauce proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. The combination of perfectly browned beef, aromatic garlic, and rich cream creates a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. When you’re craving comfort food that breaks away from traditional red sauces, this ground beef pasta no tomato sauce delivers every single time.
