A rich and creamy winter pasta that turns simple ground beef into a cozy family dinner.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 40 min
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups beef broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 8 oz short pasta (penne or rotini)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces.
Add the chopped onion and continue cooking until softened, allowing it to absorb the beef flavor and release its sweetness.
Stir in the garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing briefly so the spices blend evenly without burning.
Pour in the beef broth and add the pasta directly to the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Lower the heat and stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce thicken into a smooth, creamy coating around the pasta.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 520
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 28g
Quick Facts
• one-pan dinner
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• budget friendly
• freezer friendly
Tips
Use short pasta shapes with ridges so the creamy sauce clings evenly to every bite.
Stir gently once the cream is added to avoid breaking the sauce while it thickens.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as different broths can vary in saltiness.
Variations
For a lighter version, replace half of the cream with milk and finish with a small amount of cheese for balance.
To add vegetables, stir in frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms during the final minutes of cooking. You can also take inspiration from our sheet pan sausage and peppers recipe, where colorful vegetables add flavor and bulk to a simple meat-based dish.
For extra richness, add a spoon of butter just before serving and stir until fully melted. If you enjoy creamy, comforting meals that come together quickly, our chicken a la king offers another cozy option your whole family will love.