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How to Make Creamy Ground Beef and Noodles in One Pan

ByWendy Carter
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Picture this: it’s 6 PM, your stomach’s growling like a hangry bear, and you need dinner now.

Enter the Creamy Ground Beef & Noodles Skillet—your new best friend. No fancy skills, no 20-ingredient chaos, just pure comfort in one pan.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you wonder why you ever ordered takeout. Creamy, savory, and stupidly easy, this dish is the ultimate weeknight cheat code.

And yes, it’s better than your sad attempt at meal prep.

Ready to win dinner?

What Makes This Recipe So Good

First, it’s a one-pan wonder—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Second, the creamy sauce clings to every noodle like it’s their job.

Third, ground beef keeps it hearty without breaking the bank.

Plus, it’s customizable (picky eaters, rejoice). And let’s be real—anything that combines carbs, meat, and cheese is basically a hug in food form.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef and Noodles in One Pan
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How to Make Creamy Ground Beef and Noodles in One Pan

Recipe by Wendy CarterCourse: Beef, Dinner
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

450

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor, or lean if you’re feeling virtuous)

  • 8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta that holds sauce well)

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup beef broth (or water in a pinch)

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half if you’re lightening things up)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (because more cheese is always the answer)

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (try pronouncing it, we’ll wait)

  • 1 tsp paprika (for a smoky kick)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but it makes you look fancy)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed (unless you’re into that).
  • Sauté the aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until soft, about 2–3 minutes. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now.
  • Add the liquids: Pour in beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir like you mean it.
  • Cook the noodles: Add uncooked egg noodles to the skillet, ensuring they’re mostly submerged. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
  • Cheese it up: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top. Cover for 1–2 minutes to let it melt into gooey perfection.
  • Garnish and serve: Top with fresh parsley if you’re feeling extra. Devour immediately—no patience required.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the creaminess. Freezing? IMO, the noodles get mushy, but if you’re desperate, freeze for up to 1 month.

Benefits of This Recipe

It’s fast, affordable, and kid-approved (aka picky-eater-proof).

The protein-carbs combo keeps you full, and it’s easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets (see alternatives below).

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Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—no one turns down creamy beefy noodles.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 450 calories, 25g fat, 30g carbs, 25g protein, 2g fiber. Not health food, but balance is a myth anyway.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the noodles: They’ll turn to mush.

    Follow the package timing.

  • Skimping on seasoning: Taste as you go. Bland food is a crime.
  • Using pre-cooked noodles: They’ll absorb too much liquid. Start dry.

Alternatives

  • Gluten-free: Swap regular noodles for GF pasta.
  • Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese (sacrilege, but we won’t judge).
  • Vegetarian: Replace beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely.

Penne, rotini, or even shells work. Just adjust cooking time based on the package instructions.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk + a tbsp of butter will do in a pinch. It’ll be slightly less rich, but still delicious.

Can I add veggies?

Sure, toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when sautéing the onions.

Sneaky nutrition FTW.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Ground Beef & Noodles Skillet is the hero your busy nights deserve. It’s fast, flavorful, and foolproof—no culinary degree required.

Make it once, and it’ll become your go-to.

Now go forth and conquer dinner like the lazy genius you are.

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