🍝 Creamy Pasta with Ground Beef & Cheese
🎯 Difficulty: Easy
⏱️ Time: 25–30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 2
🔥 Estimated Calories: ~500–600 kcal per serving
🧂 Ingredients
- Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): 150g (about 250 kcal per serving)
- Ground beef (lean, 85% lean): 200g (~300 kcal total)
- Onion (chopped): 1/2 medium (~20 kcal)
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves (~10 kcal)
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp (~120 kcal)
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (~200 kcal)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): 1/2 cup (~200 kcal)
- Salt & pepper: to taste
- Optional: parsley or basil for garnish
👨🍳 Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add ground beef to the pan. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned (5–7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss everything together until well coated with the creamy beef sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot, optionally topped with chopped parsley or basil.
💡 Tips
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Use milk instead of cream for a lighter version.
- You can swap beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
