Pin it
Need a dinner win on busy evenings? My Saucy Beef and Pasta dish has come to the rescue countless times at my house. Whenever I'm scrambling for something speedy that'll please everyone, this is what I whip up. The soft pasta coated in a smooth, tomatoey cream mixture with tasty ground beef checks all the boxes and only takes half an hour to get on the table.
A Dish You'll Crave Time After Time
Throughout my years of family cooking, I've discovered that uncomplicated meals often win the day. This pasta creation has turned into our number one comfort food because it's so easy yet totally filling. I'm thrilled that I can toss it together using just one pot, and it works with whatever pasta shapes are hanging out in my cupboard. It tastes even better the next day and saves those hectic weeks when I don't feel like spending hours cooking.
What You'll Need
- Rotini Pasta: The twisty shape grabs all that yummy sauce, but any chunky pasta does the job well.
- Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and rich taste to the dish.
- Spices: My go-to mix of garlic powder, Italian seasoning and smoky paprika.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the tasty base for everything else.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Makes the whole dish incredibly velvety.
- Cheddar Cheese: Delivers that can't-resist melty goodness.
Mealtime Wonder in Minutes
- Begin with Pasta
- Boil until barely soft then put aside.
- Whip up the Sauce
- Cook your beef with seasonings and flour then mix in tomato sauce and broth until everything gets nicely thick.
- Add Creaminess
- Stir in the heavy cream, toss with your pasta and let the cheese melt into something wonderful.
- Ready to Serve
- Fix some garlic toast or throw together a simple salad while it's steaming and gooey.
My Go-To Kitchen Tricks
I'll swap in ground turkey when we want something lighter. Try different cheese blends - I love throwing together sharp cheddar with a bit of mozzarella. The smoky paprika really makes the flavors pop, but the regular kind works in a pinch. When you warm up the extras, add a little cream to get back that silky smoothness.
Switch Things Up
This pasta goes great with a side of oven-roasted broccoli or my super-fast garlic bread. These days I've been dropping in big handfuls of fresh spinach or some cooked mushrooms for extra nutrition. It's become our Sunday dinner standby, but really, it fits in perfectly any night you need something good fast.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch the pasta shape?
Sure, you can! Medium-sized options like penne, fusilli, or shells work great. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.
- → How can I keep the sauce smooth?
Add the cream off the heat and stir constantly. Keep the heat low and avoid boiling after mixing in dairy.
- → Is this good for meal prep?
It’s best fresh, but you can gently reheat it with added milk or cream. Stir well to avoid clumps.
- → What’s a good swap for heavy cream?
Half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be thinner. Heavy cream delivers the best thickness and taste.
- → Can I freeze leftovers without issues?
Freezing creamy sauces may cause them to split. Reheat them slowly with added cream to restore texture.