Creamy Beef Mince Pasta | 35 Minute Midweek Winner!

Creamy beef mince pasta is the QUICKEST and EASIEST dinner… a guaranteed winner with the kids (even the fussiest of toddlers!)

On the table in 35 minutes and made with simple ingredients, this is sure to become your go-to budget-friendly midweek meal!

For a fuss-free comforting family dinner, this creamy mince pasta is the perfect combination of al dente pasta, minced beef and a creamy sauce covered with melted cheese.

In our house, we love an easy pasta recipe, from creamy pesto chicken pasta to spaghetti bolognese. Not only is pasta economical, but it’s so easy to cook and always popular.

We are also huge fans of beef mince recipes, and lasagne, beef rissoles and Big Mac casserole are always popular options! Leftovers make a popular and easy lunch too!

Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy recipe – this pasta recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare, and is on the table in 35 minutes.
• Budget friendly – beef mince and pasta are basic, budget friendly ingredients. Here I have combined them with other fridge and pantry staples to create an economical dinner.
• Family dinner favourite – this is loved by toddlers, kids and adults – fussy eaters included!
• Comfort food – with a creamy tomato and herb sauce enriched with grated cheese, this is ‘comfort food’ at its very best!

What You Need

You need just a handful of basic ingredients including store-cupboard staples to make this tasty mince and pasta recipe.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

• Pasta – you can use your favourite pasta shape such as spirals, penne or shells.
• Olive oil – to cook the beef mince and onions in.
• Beef mince – also known as ground beef. I tend to use lean beef mince, however use any beef mince you prefer.
• Brown onion – one medium sized.
• Garlic – fresh garlic or store-bought jarred garlic. Both work well!
• Dried Italian herbs – you can buy a ready made mix which contains dried parsley, oregano, thyme, basil and rosemary.
• Ground paprika – not smoked paprika.
• Plain flour – also known as all-purpose flour.
• Beef stock liquid – beef provides the richest flavour, but you can use chicken stock if you prefer.
• Tomato pasta sauce – like Napoletana pasta sauce which already has basil and herbs added to it.
• Cream – either thickened cream or cooking cream – use a cream that can be heated without curdling.
• Cheddar cheese – grated cheddar cheese or tasty cheese. I recommend using a block of cheese and grating it yourself as it will melt into the sauce easier.
• Salt and pepper – to season.

Equipment Required

You don’t need any fancy equipment at all to make this pasta and mince recipe!

• Large pot – for cooking the pasta.
• Large frying pan – for cooking the creamy beef mince sauce.

Step By Step Instructions

It takes just 10 minutes to prepare this creamy pasta with minced beef.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 – Cook The Pasta

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions until almost al denté (the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce). Drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside. 

Step 2 – Brown The Beef Mince

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Cook the beef mince (breaking it up) for 4-5 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Set the cooked beef mince aside in a bowl. 

Step 3 – Cook Onion And Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the frying pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until softened. 

Stir through the minced garlic, dried herbs and ground paprika. 

Step 4 – Add The Flour

Sprinkle over the plain flour and stir for 1 minute. 

Step 5 – Add Beef Stock And Pasta Sauce

Very slowly, while stirring, add the beef stock liquid. Add the pasta sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook, while stirring for 8 minutes or until slightly thickened. 

Step 6 – Stir In The Beef, Pasta And Cream

Add the cooked pasta, cooked beef mince and the cream.  

Cook, while stirring, for 2 minutes.

Step 7 – Add Grated Cheese

Add the cheese and cook, while stirring, for a further 1-2 minutes or until melted.

Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately!

Expert Tips

• Gluten free option – simply use gluten free pasta and gluten free flour.
• Cooking the pasta – cook until almost al denté as the pasta will keep cooking when added to the sauce.
• If using fresh cloves of garlic, 1 garlic clove crushed = 1 teaspoon minced garlic.
• Amount of sauce – the beef pasta may seem very saucy when you mix the cheese in – don’t worry! By the time you spoon it in to bowls the pasta and melted cheese will have thickened this liquid.
• Serve immediately – as it sits, the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce.
• Leftovers – any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat for a light lunch, or extend by serving leftovers with a side salad!
• Freezing – leftovers can be frozen for up to 1 month.
• Serving Ideas – top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve with garlic bread or homemade bread rolls.

FAQs

Versatile and budget-friendly, beef mince is a favourite ingredient of mine. Here are some more of my most popular beef mince recipes:

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