Easy Marry Me Ground Beef Pasta
This creamy, comforting pasta marries rich beef flavor with a silky Parmesan-cream sauce that clings to every noodle, ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 8 oz pasta (any shape) Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- 1 lb ground beef Can be swapped with ground turkey or lean ground beef (93% lean) for less fat.
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk plus a tablespoon of butter.
- 1 cup beef broth Use low-sodium broth to control salt. Chicken broth works fine as a substitute.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated yields a smoother sauce; pre-grated may clump.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh for the best flavor.
- 1 onion diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion to the skillet with beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds.
Cooking the Sauce
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan, stirring constantly until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes when adding garlic. For a vegetarian version, omit beef and use sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based substitute.