Creamy Ground Beef Orecchiette Pasta: Better Than Takeout

Creamy Ground Beef Orecchiette Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 20 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to a perfectly creamy, not-watery sauce. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Buffalo Chicken Bombs Recipe for Game Day and Slow Cooker Short Rib Pasta with Red Wine Sauce.

What You'll Need for Creamy Ground Beef Orecchiette Pasta: Better Than Takeout

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz orecchiette pasta
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: Fresh basil leaves
• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Orecchiette Pasta: Better Than Takeout

1. Step 1: Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain fat.
2. Step 2: Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened.
3. Step 3: Stir in diced tomatoes, heavy cream, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Cook orecchiette pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet.
5. Step 5: Stir well to combine. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Storing & Reheating Creamy Ground Beef Orecchiette Pasta: Better Than Takeout

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before adding the cooked pasta.

Freezing Creamy Ground Beef Orecchiette Pasta: Better Than Takeout

Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: To prevent a watery sauce, don't add too much pasta water.
• Best substitution: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before adding the cooked pasta.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
• Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.

Creamy Ground Beef Orecchiette Pasta: Better Than Takeout

⏱

Prep

10 mins

🍳

Cook

20 mins

⏳

Total

30 mins

🍽

Serves

4 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz orecchiette pasta
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain fat.
2. Step 2: Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened.
3. Step 3: Stir in diced tomatoes, heavy cream, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Cook orecchiette pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet.
5. Step 5: Stir well to combine. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

• Chef tip: To prevent a watery sauce, don't add too much pasta water.
• Best substitution: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before adding the cooked pasta.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
• Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
• Make ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before adding the cooked pasta.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 38g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sat. Fat: 20g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Creamy Ground Beef Orecchiette Pasta: Better Than Takeout FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Ground Beef Orecchiette Pasta: Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!