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Need an easy dinner for busy nights? My Creamy Beef and Pasta dish has saved my sanity countless times. When I'm short on time but want something everyone will love, this is my fallback plan. The soft pasta coated in rich, tomato-infused cream sauce with juicy beef ticks all the boxes and comes together in just half an hour.
The Tasty Meal You'll Keep Coming Back To
Through my years of family cooking, I've found that uncomplicated meals often win the day. This pasta creation has turned into our number one comfort food because it's both super easy and totally satisfying. I'm a big fan of the one-pot approach, and I love that it works with whatever pasta shapes are hanging out in my cupboard. It tastes even better the next day and gets me through those hectic weeks when I don't feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
Your Ingredient List
- Rotini Pasta: The twisty shape grabs all that sauce perfectly, though any shorter pasta type will do just fine.
- Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and rich flavor to every bite.
- Spices: My special mix of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika and garlic powder makes all the difference.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the foundation of our amazing sauce.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Turns everything luxuriously smooth.
- Cheddar Cheese: Delivers that must-have melty goodness.
Mealtime Miracle in Minutes
- Boil Your Pasta
- Cook until slightly firm then drain and set aside.
- Build the Base
- Cook beef with your spices and some flour, then mix in the tomato sauce and broth until everything thickens nicely.
- Add Richness
- Stir in the heavy cream, return pasta to the pot and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection.
- Ready to Serve
- Whip up some garlic bread or a simple salad while it's still steaming and delicious.
Smart Cooking Tricks
I swap in ground turkey sometimes for a lighter meal. Try different cheese combinations – mixing mozzarella with sharp cheddar works wonders. The smoked paprika really bumps up the flavor, but don't worry if you only have regular paprika around. When you warm up the leftovers, try adding a little splash of cream to bring back the smoothness.
Change It Up
This dish pairs amazingly with a side of oven-roasted broccoli or some homemade garlic bread. These days I've started throwing in some fresh spinach leaves or cooked mushrooms for extra nutrients. It's become our Sunday dinner tradition, but really it fits in perfectly any night you need something quick and tasty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch up the pasta type?
Sure, try mediums like penne, fusilli, or shells. Just follow their cooking instructions for the best results.
- → How can I keep the cream sauce smooth?
Add the cream after you’ve turned off the heat. Stir it in gently, and avoid letting it boil once the dairy’s in.
- → Is it okay to make this ahead?
It’s tastiest fresh, but reheating works. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir often to keep the sauce silky.
- → What’s a good swap for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, though it’ll be thinner. Heavy cream gives the best texture, so use that if you can.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
While cream sauces don’t freeze well, it’s possible. Reheat slowly with extra cream to help bring back the texture.