Description
Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight dish featuring tender rotini pasta tossed in a rich creamy tomato sauce with savory ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. This comforting recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking, I like to use avocado oil spray)
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup beef stock
- 2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 16 oz pasta (such as rotini)
- 1 cup passata
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or fire-roasted tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Diced fresh parsley (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Beef: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and ground beef, breaking the beef up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Season and Add Tomato Paste: Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili flakes, thyme, and dried oregano. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat the beef evenly with the seasonings and paste.
- Simmer with Tomatoes: Pour in the passata and crushed tomatoes, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy tomato beef sauce. If reheating later, reserve some pasta water or add a splash of half-and-half or milk to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh diced parsley before serving to add a fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Notes
- To keep the sauce creamy when reheating, add reserved pasta water or a splash of milk or half-and-half to loosen it.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish lighter.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the chili flakes to taste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the best flavor and melts smoothly.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
