Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef with Pasta

This creamy parmesan garlic beef with pasta is one of those dinners that feels cozy the moment it hits the table. The sauce is smooth and rich. The garlic smells warm and inviting. The beef is juicy and full of flavor. Everything clings to the pasta in the best way. This is a simple meal with ground beef that works for busy nights and tight budgets. If you need cheap easy dinner ideas for family meals, this recipe is worth saving. It is comforting, filling, and made with everyday ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 ounces pasta, penne or rotini work well
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 half teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 half teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley for topping, optional

Step By Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the minced garlic to the beef. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
4. Lower the heat slightly. Add butter to the pan and let it melt into the beef.
5. Pour in the beef broth and stir. Let it simmer for 2 minutes so the flavors blend.
6. Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir gently and let the sauce thicken for 3 to 4 minutes.
7. Slowly stir in the parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce looks smooth and creamy.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently until every piece is coated in the sauce.
9. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using and serve warm.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Do not overcook the pasta. Soft pasta can turn mushy once mixed with the sauce. Cook it just until tender.

Avoid high heat when adding cream and cheese. Too much heat can cause the sauce to split and lose its smooth texture.

Do not skip seasoning. Ground beef needs salt and spice to shine, even in creamy recipes using beef.

Tips For Success

Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Pre shredded cheese does not melt as smoothly.

If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen it.

This is one of those cheap meals on a budget dinners easy to adjust. You can stretch it with extra pasta or serve with bread.

How To Serve

Serve this creamy pasta in wide bowls so the sauce stays warm. A simple green salad on the side balances the richness.

If you enjoy simple meals with ground beef, you may also like this ground beef orzo with tomato for another easy dinner idea.

For fun family nights, pair it with roasted veggies or garlic bread. It works well as a dinner for family of 5 without feeling heavy.

Flavor Add In Ideas

Add a handful of spinach at the end for color and extra nutrition.

Stir in mushrooms with the beef for a deeper savory taste.

If your family enjoys bold flavors, try seasoning the beef with inspiration from this firecracker ground beef seasoning recipe.

For a cheesier twist, mix in a small amount of mozzarella along with the parmesan.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef with Pasta

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef with Pasta wraps tender ground beef in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, loaded with melted parmesan and Italian herbs. It’s the kind of rich, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day quick to make, easy on the wallet, and impossible to resist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 680

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 ounces pasta penne or rotini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• fresh parsley optional, for topping

Equipment

• Skillet
• Pot

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the minced garlic to the beef. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
4. Lower the heat slightly. Add butter to the pan and let it melt into the beef.
5. Pour in the beef broth and stir. Let it simmer for 2 minutes so the flavors blend.
6. Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir gently and let the sauce thicken for 3 to 4 minutes.
7. Slowly stir in the parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce looks smooth and creamy.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently until every piece is coated in the sauce.
9. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta or the sauce may become too thick. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt. To reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk or broth.

Make Ahead And Storage

This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool fully before storing.

Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

This makes a great option for toddler friendly family dinner recipes since the flavors are mild and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Short pasta works best, but spaghetti or fettuccine can also be used.

Is this recipe freezer friendly?
Cream sauces can change texture when frozen, so it is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.

Can I swap the beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works, but ground beef gives the richest flavor for foods to make with ground beef.

Conclusion

Creamy parmesan garlic beef with pasta is a comforting dinner that fits busy schedules and tight budgets. It is simple, filling, and full of flavor. If you are always looking for recipes using beef that everyone enjoys, this one is a keeper. Save it, share it, and pin it for later. It is the kind of meal you will want to make again and again.