Ground Beef Pasta Recipe Without Tomato Sauce
This ground beef pasta without tomato sauce is a quick, hearty, and creamy alternative to traditional marinara-based dishes. With its rich, savory flavors and easy customization, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or a cozy family meal.Try it today and enjoy a delicious, comforting pasta dish that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning the pasta water)
For the Ground Beef & Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (for adjusting sauce consistency, if needed)
Optional Additions & Garnishes:
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for brightness)
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (for a stroganoff-style twist)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt to season the water.
- Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to coat the beef in flavor.
- Drain excess grease if needed, leaving a little behind for richness.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and stir well, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Lower the heat and let the broth simmer for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and combined.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta & Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Let everything simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, black pepper, or Parmesan to enhance the dish.
Step 5: Finishing Touches & Serving Suggestions
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the pasta rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides like garlic bread, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~500 kcal
- Protein: ~28g
- Total Fat: ~25g
- Saturated Fat: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~650mg