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Let me tell you about my go to dinner recipe that's saved me countless times on busy nights. When the kids are starving and time is tight this creamy pasta with ground beef comes to the rescue. The sauce is rich and velvety the pasta perfectly tender and honestly it tastes like I spent way more time in the kitchen than I actually did.
Your New Dinner Superstar
I love this recipe because everything cooks in one pot which means less mess to clean up. Even my pickiest nephew asks for seconds when he comes over. The sauce gets so creamy and rich you'd think it came from a fancy restaurant but nope just my kitchen on a regular Tuesday night.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Pasta: 12 oz of shells or rotini, perfect for holding the sauce.
- Ground Beef: 1 lb lean but not too lean for flavor and moisture.
- Garlic and Onion: Freshly minced garlic (3 cloves) and 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons for deep, rich flavor.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup for a luxurious sauce.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend, plus salt and pepper to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Once cooked, remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavor.
- Add Pasta and Liquid
- Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and enough water to cover the pasta. Add uncooked pasta to the pot, stir, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer and Stir
- Cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more water as needed to keep the mixture saucy.
- Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked beef to the pot and stir well. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. Serve hot, garnished with grated cheese if desired.
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Kitchen Secrets
Here's what I've learned from making this pasta countless times. Shake off extra water from your pasta before adding it to the pot it helps keep the sauce thick and creamy. Good pasta makes a difference so grab the brand you trust. That tomato paste is super important for flavor and my secret weapon? A dollop of cream cheese at the end makes it extra special.
Make It Your Own
Some nights I use ground turkey when I'm trying to eat lighter or toss in handfuls of spinach that needs using up. My daughter loves it when I add mushrooms and my son goes crazy for extra red pepper flakes in his portion. Fresh basil from my window garden makes it taste like summer.
What Goes Well With It
We usually serve this with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette. My kids fight over the last piece of garlic bread to soak up that yummy sauce. Pour yourself a cold drink or if the day's been extra long a nice glass of white wine hits the spot.
Saving Leftovers
This pasta keeps well in the fridge for about three days. When you reheat it just add a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture. Skip the freezer though the pasta gets weird when it thaws out.
Family Approved
This pasta recipe never lets me down. It's become our Thursday night tradition when soccer practice runs late and everyone's starving. The best part? Watching my family's faces light up when they walk in and smell that amazing aroma coming from the kitchen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why drain the excess fat from the beef?
- Draining excess fat keeps the sauce from becoming greasy. It helps create a better texture and lets the cream and tomato flavors shine through.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make this dish ahead and reheat it gently. The sauce might thicken when stored, so you may need to add a splash of cream when reheating.
- → What type of pasta works best?
- Medium-sized pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work great. They hold the thick sauce well and are easy to eat with the ground beef.
- → Why add Dijon mustard?
- Dijon mustard adds depth to the sauce and helps balance the richness of the cream. It brings out the savory flavors without making the dish taste like mustard.
- → How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking?
- Keep the heat medium-low when adding the cream and stir regularly. Don't let the sauce boil after adding the cream to keep it smooth and creamy.