Creamy Hamburger Meat Pasta Skillet
This quick and comforting Creamy Hamburger Meat Pasta Skillet is inspired by weeknight American comfort food, blending robust hamburger meat with a creamy tomato sauce and tender pasta. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and ready in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy evenings when you crave homey, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef ideally 80/20 for a balance of flavor and moisture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin preferred
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth preferably low sodium
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz can with juices
- 8 ounces pasta short cuts like penne, rotini, or macaroni
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese medium or sharp
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until translucent and aromatic.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up using a wooden spoon and cook for 6–7 minutes, or until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Once the beef is cooked, pour in the beef broth and canned tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine fully.
- Add in the pasta. Stir well to submerge. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 12–14 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until smooth, creamy, and cheese is fully melted (~1 minute).
- Remove from heat. Let sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a smoky kick, stir in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika alongside the garlic.
- If you prefer gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta and verify broth is gluten-free.
- Add red chili flakes for a spicy version.
- You can prepare the beef ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to reduce cook time.
Nutrition
Calories: 786kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 38gFat: 48gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 142mgSodium: 1223mgPotassium: 980mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1011IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 298mgIron: 4mg
Did you give this recipe a whirl?We're all ears to hear about your results!