The Best 30-Minute Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta (4 Servings)

Key Highlights:

• Ready in just 30 minutes using one pot
• Rich, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to pasta
• Simple ingredients you likely have at home
• Perfect weeknight dinner for a family of four

Looking for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta combines tender pasta, seasoned meat, and a rich cheese sauce for a meal your family will request again and again.

Time Requirements

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Kitchen Equipment

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (at least 12 inches wide and 3 inches deep)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups (both dry and liquid measures)
• Measuring spoons
• Box grater for cheese
• Large colander for draining pasta
• Sharp knife for chopping
• Cutting board
• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Timer (phone timer works great)
• Heat-safe cup or mug for reserving pasta water

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Beef:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 work best)
• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups beef stock (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings:

• Extra grated cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase (10 minutes)

1. Set Up Your Workspace

• Clear and clean your counter space
• Get out all equipment and ingredients
• Place a garbage bowl or bag nearby for scraps
• Put on an apron if you have one

1. Prepare Your Vegetables

• Place onion on cutting board, cut off both ends
• Cut onion in half from top to bottom
• Peel off the skin and outer layer
• Place flat side down and slice into strips
• Turn and cut across strips to dice (aim for pieces about 1/4 inch)
• Peel garlic cloves
• Mince garlic by crushing with side of knife then chopping finely
• Keep onion and garlic separate

1. Prepare Cheese

• Remove cheese from refrigerator
• Using the large holes of box grater, grate cheese
• Measure out 2 cups and set aside
• Keep extra for topping

1. Start Pasta Water

• Fill large pot 2/3 full with water
• Add 1 tablespoon salt
• Place on stove over high heat
• Cover to speed up boiling

Cooking Phase (20 minutes)

Part 1: Cook the Beef (10 minutes)

1. Heat Pan

• Place large skillet on stove
• Set heat to medium-high
• Add olive oil
• Wait 1-2 minutes until oil shimmers

1. Cook Vegetables

• Add diced onion to pan
• Stir occasionally with wooden spoon
• Cook 3-4 minutes until onion becomes translucent
• Add minced garlic
• Stir constantly for 30 seconds (watch carefully to prevent burning)

1. Cook Beef

• Add ground beef to pan
• Break into large chunks with wooden spoon
• Let cook 2 minutes without stirring
• Break into smaller pieces (about 1 inch)
• Continue cooking 6-8 minutes until no pink remains
• Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Part 2: Make the Sauce (10 minutes)

1. Add Liquids

• Pour in tomato sauce (stand back to avoid splatter)
• Add beef stock
• Stir to combine

1. Season

• Add Italian seasoning
• Add remaining salt and pepper
• Stir well

1. Create Creamy Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium-low
• Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring
• Add grated cheese one handful at a time
• Stir constantly until each addition melts
• Simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
• Sauce should coat back of spoon

Part 3: Cook and Combine Pasta (10 minutes)

1. Cook Pasta

• Once water boils, add pasta
• Stir immediately to prevent sticking
• Set timer for 1 minute less than package directions
• Stir occasionally while cooking

1. Reserve Pasta Water

• Before draining, scoop out 1 cup pasta water
• Place in heat-safe cup

1. Drain Pasta

• Place colander in sink
• Carefully pour pasta into colander
• Do not rinse

1. Combine

• Add drained pasta to sauce
• Stir gently with wooden spoon
• If needed, add pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency
• Turn off heat
• Let stand 5 minutes (sauce will thicken)

1. Serve

• Portion into bowls
• Top with extra cheese if desired
• Add optional toppings
• Serve immediately while hot

Troubleshooting Tips

• Sauce too thick? Add reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time
• Sauce too thin? Simmer longer or add more cheese in small amounts
• Cheese clumping? Remove from heat, stir constantly until smooth
• Beef too greasy? Tilt pan and spoon off excess fat before adding sauce
• Garlic burning? Lower heat immediately and add tomato sauce
• Pasta stuck together? Make sure to stir within first minute of cooking
• Sauce breaking? Heat too high – lower temperature and stir constantly

Variations & Substitutions

• Pasta shapes: Use penne, shells, or any short pasta
• Meat options: Ground turkey or Italian sausage work well
• Cheese choices: Try white cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pasta and verify stock is gluten-free
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Spicier version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste

Storage & Reheating

• Cool completely before storing
• Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat in microwave:
• Place portion in microwave-safe bowl
• Add 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
• Cover with microwave-safe lid
• Heat 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway
• Can be frozen:
• Use freezer-safe container
• Store up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator
• Reheat with extra liquid to restore creaminess

Safety Notes & Tips

• Always cook ground beef to 160°F (71°C) – use meat thermometer if unsure
• Wash hands after handling raw meat
• Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables
• Keep pot handles turned inward on stove to prevent accidents
• Use oven mitts when handling hot pots
• Don’t rinse pasta – starch helps sauce stick
• Grate cheese yourself – pre-shredded has additives that prevent smooth melting
• Test pasta doneness 1-2 minutes before package time
• Let dish stand 5 minutes before serving – sauce will thicken and be less likely to burn

This recipe serves 4 generously and works perfectly for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without extensive cleanup. The creamy sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked pasta create a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.