Silky sauce, tender beef, and perfectly coated pasta make this dish the kind of weeknight comfort everyone craves.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep: 10 min
- Cook: 15 min
- Total: 25 min
Ingredients
For the beef
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
For the pasta
- 8 oz penne or your preferred shape, cooked al dente
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion until soft.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Stir in garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Add mozzarella and parmesan, letting them melt into a creamy sauce.
- Fold in the cooked pasta and simmer 2 to 3 minutes until everything is coated and creamy.
Nutrition Facts (approx per serving)
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 48 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Quick Facts
- Ready in 25 minutes
- Kid-friendly comfort food
- One-pan sauce
- Ultra creamy texture
- Crowd pleaser
Tips
- Use a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for maximum creaminess and depth.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Garnish with a little chopped parsley or chili flakes for color.
- If you’re into quick and flavorful dinners, try this One-Pan Chicken Skillet Recipe packed with juicy chicken and veggies.
Variations
- Swap beef with turkey for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Make it spicy with extra chili flakes or cayenne.
- Craving something sweet after? These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies make a perfect dessert to follow this creamy pasta dish.