Creamy Garlic Ground Beef Skillet – Quick 25-Minute Dinner

Introduction

Some of my favorite weeknight memories start with the soft sizzle of garlic hitting a warm skillet. My grandmother used to say, “When the house smells like garlic and butter, everyone comes home faster.”

This creamy garlic ground beef skillet reminds me of those evenings  when life was simple, the air smelled like dinner, and laughter filled the kitchen. These days, when my kids rush to the table after school, this is the dish that saves the night.

It’s hearty, creamy, and comforting  made with everyday pantry ingredients and done in just 25 minutes. A one-pan wonder that brings everyone together, even on the busiest nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🕐 Fast & fuss-free: Ready in just 25 minutes — perfect for weeknights.

• 🍝 Creamy & garlicky: A rich, flavorful sauce that hugs every bite.

• 💰 Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients you already have.

• 🧀 One-pan cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet — no extra dishes!

• 🌿 Family-loved: Kid-approved and endlessly comforting.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (lean 85% preferred)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)

• ½ cup beef broth

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (or mozzarella for a milder flavor)

• 1 tsp salt, or to taste

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (optional for color and mild heat)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

• 8 oz cooked pasta (optional, or serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles)

Directions

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat.

2. Add aromatics: Stir in chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Make the sauce: Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom  they add flavor!

4. Add cheeses: Stir in cream cheese and parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

5. Simmer & thicken: Let the sauce bubble gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

6. Combine & serve: Mix in cooked pasta (if using) or spoon over rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra cheese.

Yasamina’s Tips for Success

• 🧄 Let garlic shine: Don’t rush the garlic — let it cook just long enough to release that warm, inviting aroma.

• 🧈 Grandma’s trick: Add a teaspoon of butter at the end — it gives the sauce a silky texture and that old-fashioned richness.

• 🧀 Freshly grated cheese melts best. Avoid pre-shredded — it thickens unevenly.

• 🥄 Adjust the sauce: If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a minute longer.

• 🌿 Finish with love: A sprinkle of parsley or thyme brings brightness to the creamy sauce.

Serving Ideas

I love serving this creamy skillet over fluffy mashed potatoes or wide egg noodles. Add a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.

If I’m in the mood for something extra cozy, I’ll bake a quick garlic bread loaf and serve it right from the oven — my family says that’s “the best part.”

And for dessert? Try my 30-Minute Heavenly Creamy Caramel Oatmeal with Warm Spiced Apples  it’s the perfect sweet ending to a comforting meal.

Variations

• 🌶️ Spicy Garlic Beef: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for heat.

• 🥦 Veggie Boost: Mix in spinach, peas, or mushrooms for color and nutrition.

• 🍝 Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for evaporated milk or low-fat Greek yogurt.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.

• Always follow safe reheating practices for leftovers.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4–5 servings | Calories: ~420 kcal

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this creamy garlic ground beef skillet ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish, cool it, and store it covered. Reheat gently on the stove before serving  the flavor deepens beautifully overnight.

Q2: What can I serve this with besides pasta?
It’s amazing over mashed potatoes, white rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Q3: How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half or milk instead of cream and swap cream cheese for low-fat Greek yogurt. Still creamy, just lighter!

Q4: Can I freeze creamy garlic ground beef skillet?
Absolutely. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly with a little cream or broth to restore the texture.

Closing Paragraph

This creamy garlic ground beef skillet feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet cozy enough to remind me of Grandma’s kitchen  full of love, garlic, and laughter.

If your family enjoys it as much as mine does, I’d love to hear from you  leave a comment or save it on Pinterest to share a little comfort with someone else.

Creamy Garlic Ground Beef Skillet – Quick 25-Minute Dinner

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• Author: YASAMINA
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 4–5 servings 1x

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Description

A warm, comforting one-pan meal that’s creamy, garlicky, and ready in just 25 minutes. Made with pantry staples like ground beef, cream, and parmesan, this cozy skillet dinner brings rich flavor and simplicity to your weeknight table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (lean 85% preferred)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)

• ½ cup beef broth

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (or mozzarella for a milder flavor)

• 1 tsp salt, or to taste

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (optional for color and mild heat)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

• 8 oz cooked pasta (optional, or serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat.
2️⃣ Add aromatics: Stir in chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3️⃣ Make the sauce: Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom — they add flavor!
4️⃣ Add cheeses: Stir in cream cheese and parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
5️⃣ Simmer & thicken: Let the sauce bubble gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6️⃣ Combine & serve: Mix in cooked pasta (if using) or spoon over rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra cheese.

Notes

• 🧄 Don’t rush the garlic   let it cook just long enough to fill your kitchen with that warm aroma.

• 🧈 Grandma’s trick: Add a teaspoon of butter at the end for a silky finish.

• 🧀 Use freshly grated cheese  it melts creamier and gives a richer texture.

• 🌿 Garnish with parsley or thyme for a fresh touch before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal

From my kitchen to yours, with love — Yasamina 💛