Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach or other greens (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients, chop onion and garlic, and keep within reach for ease of cooking.
- In a large nonstick skillet or large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it apart. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer beef to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
- Return the pot to heat, add a splash of olive oil, and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Lower heat, add heavy cream and stir. Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add reserved pasta water if sauce needs loosening.
- Reintroduce cooked ground beef and pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Optionally, stir in greens until wilted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and black pepper. Serve hot for a hearty, cheesy dinner.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for authentic flavor.
- Customize with vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk or dairy-free alternatives.
- Add red pepper flakes during sautéing for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy, Meat, Family-friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg