There is nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, and this Creamy Beef Pumpkin Pasta Recipe does exactly that. Combining the hearty savoriness of ground beef with the gentle sweetness and velvety texture of pumpkin purée, this dish delivers a unique twist on classic pasta. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with aromatic rosemary and garlic, making every bite a delightful celebration of flavor and comfort. If you’re looking to wow your family or friends with something both easy and impressively delicious, this recipe will become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Beef Pumpkin Pasta Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the caramelized onions that add depth, to the mascarpone that provides luscious creaminess, to the hearty pumpkin that sneaks in a beautiful golden color and subtle sweetness.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp / 30ml): This creates the perfect base for sautéing and adds a gentle fruity flavor to the dish.
- Yellow onions (2 medium, finely chopped): Their natural sweetness softens and mellows as they cook, building a flavor foundation.
- Garlic (6–8 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic warmth and depth—use fresh for best results.
- Fresh rosemary (2 tbsp, finely chopped): The piney, fragrant herb that elevates the dish with its herbal brightness.
- Tomato paste (4 tbsp / 60g): Adds a rich umami boost and vibrant red color to the sauce.
- Lean ground beef (2 lbs / 906g): The star protein that gives the pasta hearty substance and mouthfeel.
- Tubetti or short-cut pasta (24 oz / 700g): Perfectly sized to catch the sauce in every bite.
- Vegetable or beef broth (8 cups / 1.9L): Provides the cooking liquid and savory depth for the pasta and sauce.
- Water (2 cups / 480ml, as needed): Used to adjust consistency, keeping the sauce silky and not too thick.
- Pumpkin purée (1 can, 15 oz / 445g): Brings creaminess, subtle sweetness, and that gorgeous autumnal hue.
- Mascarpone cheese (½ cup / 116g): The secret ingredient that melts into the sauce for an irresistibly creamy texture.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup / 100g): The perfect topping to add a nutty sharpness and lovely finish to the dish.
How to Make Creamy Beef Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook gently until they are soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This slow cooking draws out their sweetness and lays down the foundation of flavor you’ll build on.
Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Rosemary
Next, stir in the minced garlic and fresh rosemary. Cook for just a minute until fragrant. This step releases the wonderful aromas that will permeate the entire dish, adding warmth and herbal notes that complement the beef and pumpkin beautifully.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste for Richness
Now, add the tomato paste and cook it for about one minute. This brief cooking step helps remove any rawness from the tomato paste and brings out its deep, savory flavor, enriching the sauce base.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Introduce the lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until it is fully browned and cooked through. This step adds the hearty protein component, infusing the dish with mouthwatering meaty flavor and texture.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Broth, and Pumpkin
Stir in the tubetti pasta, followed by the broth and pumpkin purée. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cook until the pasta is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add water as needed to keep the sauce loose and creamy rather than drying out.
Step 6: Blend in Mascarpone for Creaminess
Once the pasta is perfectly tender, stir in the mascarpone cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. The mascarpone is what transforms this dish into the ultimate creamy comfort food. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance and enhance the flavors.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Serve the pasta hot, generously sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan adds a savory, nutty brightness that beautifully contrasts the sweet pumpkin and creamy sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Beef Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish even further, consider finishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra rosemary leaves for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note. A drizzle of good olive oil or some cracked black pepper on top adds extra flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread are also wonderful companions to mop up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the pasta in shallow white bowls to showcase the golden color of pumpkin. Garnish the center with a Parmesan crisp or sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast, turning this rustic cozy meal into a dinner party standout.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Beef Pumpkin Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavors and creaminess. Before serving again, give it a good stir to redistribute the sauce evenly.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, as it tends to thicken when cooled. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring often until heated through, so the dish stays creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well and adapt beautifully to this recipe without losing its comforting essence.
Is pumpkin purée the same as canned pumpkin?
Yes, canned pumpkin purée is exactly what you need here. Just make sure it is pure pumpkin without added spices or sugars to keep the flavor balanced.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short-cut pasta like tubetti, penne, or rigatoni is ideal because their shape holds the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use what you have on hand.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap mascarpone with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting, perfect for all palates. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking if you enjoy a subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that feels special yet comes together with ease, this Creamy Beef Pumpkin Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with family and friends, full of cozy flavors and silky textures that make you feel right at home. So grab those simple ingredients, and let this recipe become your next beloved comfort classic.
Print
Creamy Beef Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Beef Pumpkin Pasta combining the heartiness of lean ground beef with the sweet earthiness of pumpkin purée, all simmered together with rosemary, tomato paste, and mascarpone for a velvety sauce. This one-pot pasta dish is perfect for an autumn dinner, providing a creamy and flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 lbs (906g) lean ground beef
- 1 (15 oz / 445g) can pumpkin purée
Pantry Staples and Dairy
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 4 tbsp (60g) tomato paste
- 24 oz (700g) Tubetti or any short-cut pasta
- 8 cups (1.9L) vegetable or beef broth
- 2 cups (480ml) water, as needed
- ½ cup (116g) mascarpone cheese
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
- Add Garlic and Rosemary: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh rosemary. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic burn.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir for 1 minute to develop its flavor and evenly coat the aromatics.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining.
- Add Pasta, Broth, and Pumpkin: Stir in the Tubetti pasta, vegetable or beef broth, and pumpkin purée. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. Add water as needed during cooking to loosen and balance the sauce’s consistency.
- Finish with Mascarpone: Stir the mascarpone cheese into the pot until it melts completely, creating a creamy and smooth sauce. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy beef pumpkin pasta into bowls and generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish less oily and more balanced.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and rosemary based on your flavor preferences.
- If you don’t have mascarpone, substitute with cream cheese or heavy cream for a similar creamy texture.
- The type of pasta can be any short-cut variety, but Tubetti holds the sauce well.
- For thicker sauce, reduce added water; add more water if it becomes too thick while cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
