One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef & Pasta for Easy Summer Nights 🍝🌞🥩
1. Introduction
Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner idea that requires minimal cleanup? Our One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta recipe is perfect for busy summer evenings. This easy summer dinner combines tender ground beef, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce all cooked in a single pot. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just craving comfort food, this ground beef pasta recipe promises to deliver flavor and convenience in every bite.
2. Ingredients for the Creamy Ground Beef & Pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish
For a nutritious twist, consider adding some fresh vegetables or herbs.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef & Pasta
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them — dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the pasta and liquids.
Cooking the Ground Beef
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Then, add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Adding Garlic and Pasta
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook until the pasta is al dente, approximately 10 minutes.
Making the Creamy Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Final Touches
Garnish your creamy ground beef pasta with chopped parsley or basil for an extra layer of flavor. Serve hot, right from the pot for maximum convenience.
4. Storage Tips for Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or water and microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. For best results, reheat on the stove over low heat.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate Summer Meal
Pair this creamy ground beef and pasta dish with a side of fresh citrus shrimp salad or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. You can also add a slice of rustic bread to scoop up the sauce.
6. FAQs About One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef & Pasta
Can I make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! Use half and half or a lighter cream alternative, add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini, and opt for whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
What substitutions can I try?
If you don’t have heavy cream, coconut milk or Greek yogurt can work as alternatives. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese options.
How long does it take to prepare?
This recipe is a quick 30-minute meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Enhance your cooking experience with these essential tools: an immersion blender makes stirring and blending easier, while a quality nonstick skillet ensures your ingredients cook evenly. Don’t forget a set of measuring spoons and cups for precise ingredient handling, and a sturdy cutting board for prep work. These tools make your cooking smoother and more enjoyable!
8. Related Recipes for More Easy Summer Dinners
- Tender Juicy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken
- Classic Southern Fried Chicken
- Healthy Roasted Peach BBQ Chicken Bake
- Sweet and Refreshing Summer Chicken with Peaches
9. Conclusion
With its creamy texture, flavorful ground beef, and easy cleanup, this One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef and Pasta dish is perfect for those warm summer nights when you want comfort food without the fuss. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Give it a try today and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free dinner that brings everyone to the table!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef & Pasta for Easy Summer Nights
Enjoy a delicious and hassle-free summer dinner with our One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef & Pasta recipe. This easy-to-make meal combines tender ground beef, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce, all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or summer gatherings, this flavorful dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them — dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the pasta and liquids.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Then, add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook until the pasta is al dente, approximately 10 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot directly from the pot for easy enjoyments.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.
- For a healthier version, use light cream or half-and-half, and add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use coconut milk or Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: All Diets
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg