This Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. Tender rotini pasta is coated in a rich tomato-cream sauce with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese, creating a hearty meal the whole family will love. If you’re looking for an easy, satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture with plenty of cheesy goodness
- Easy to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for family dinners and meal prep
- Packed with savory ground beef flavor
- Ready in about 45 minutes
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Great as leftovers for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 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 flakes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose 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
- Optional parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns. Continue cooking until no pink remains.
- Drain excess grease and return the skillet to the heat.
- Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, salt, crushed red pepper, and flour. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
- Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Add the heavy cream and cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted.
- This Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is best served immediately while hot and creamy.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for smoother melting.
- Substitute rotini with penne, fusilli, or shells.
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain the best texture.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Nut-Free, Halal-Friendly
Notes
- Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but mild cheddar or a cheddar blend also works well.
- Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner sauce.
- Fresh parsley adds color and freshness before serving.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQ
Can I make this Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the recipe completely and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
What pasta works best for creamy beef pasta?
Rotini is excellent because it holds the sauce well, but penne, fusilli, and rigatoni are great alternatives.
Can I freeze creamy beef pasta?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses can be used.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Is this a good meal-prep recipe?
Yes. This ground beef pasta recipe reheats well and makes excellent leftovers.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore creaminess.
Similar Recipes
Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe with Cheddar Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 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 flakes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose 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
- Optional parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns. Continue cooking until no pink remains.
- Drain excess grease and return the skillet to the heat.
- Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, salt, crushed red pepper, and flour. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
- Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Add the heavy cream and cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted.
- This Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is best served immediately while hot and creamy.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but mild cheddar or a cheddar blend also works well.
- Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner sauce.
- Fresh parsley adds color and freshness before serving.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe combines seasoned ground beef, tender rotini, rich tomato sauce, cream, and cheddar cheese into one incredibly comforting meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing meals for the week, this easy pasta dinner is guaranteed to become a regular favorite. With its creamy texture, savory flavor, and simple preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.