Description
A rich and comforting one-pot creamy beef pasta recipe perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Ground beef is browned with shallots and seasoned, then combined with pasta cooked in broth. Finished with heavy cream and a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this dish offers creamy, cheesy indulgence with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably grass-fed)
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 1 lb dried short-cut pasta (rigatoni recommended)
- 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden utensil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned, about 6-7 minutes. Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Sauté the Shallot: Add the finely chopped shallot to the beef. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the shallot softens and blends with the beef flavors.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the dried rigatoni pasta, then pour in the chicken or beef broth. Mix everything well to combine the ingredients evenly. Cover the pot with a lid and let the pasta cook through for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Turn off the heat. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, shredded sharp white cheddar, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to combine the cheese and cream into a smooth, creamy sauce coating the pasta and beef mixture.
- Rest and Serve: Keep the pot covered and let it sit untouched for at least 10 minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy this comforting one-pot meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust pasta cooking time according to package instructions if using a different type of pasta.
- Letting the dish rest covered after adding cheese helps the sauce thicken perfectly.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melting and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid curdling.
