Creamy Ground Beef Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Components

01 - 1 lb (450g) ground beef
02 - 8 oz (225g) uncooked pasta

→ Sauce Base

03 - 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
04 - 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes, undrained
05 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
06 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

→ Aromatics & Seasonings

07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped
09 - 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
10 - 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

13 - Freshly grated parmesan cheese

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions.
02 - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or small Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
03 - Add the ground beef and garlic, cooking for about 8 minutes until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
04 - Mix in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
05 - Stir in the cream and cook for another 3-5 minutes, letting it heat through and thicken a bit.
06 - Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss the sauce with the drained pasta. Top with freshly grated parmesan if desired and serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For a richer flavor, use beef with a higher fat content (80/20).
02 - The pasta can be cooked to al dente or slightly firmer as it will continue to absorb sauce.