If you’ve been around here long, you know I love experimenting with different ground beef recipes — from this creamy skillet to my BLT Ground Beef Skillet and Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup — it’s a great way to keep meals exciting. Not only does it keep dinner interesting, but it’s also a budget-friendly way to get more of this hearty, nutrient-dense meat into our weekly meal rotation. Ground beef tends to be much more affordable than other cuts of beef, which makes it a mama’s best friend when feeding a family.

This creamy, savory dish is one of my go-to “super simple” recipes — the kind that lets you get a delicious dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor. Because let’s be honest… some days we just need a keep-it-simple, get-it-done meal that still feels satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet

Super simple: Minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients make this a weeknight winner.
Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, low-carb noodles, or enjoy it just as it is.
Family-approved: The creamy, savory sauce makes even picky eaters happy.

Mama Hack: Running Low on Time?

If your day has been a whirlwind and you just need to get everyone fed fast, this recipe can be pared down to a 2-ingredient version: just ground beef + marinara sauce. It’s not fancy, but it’s still tasty and fills hungry tummies in minutes.

If you love quick and easy beef recipes, you might also like my 2-Ingredient Ground Beef Alfredo — another busy-night lifesaver.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large frying pan or skillet
Spatula
Strainer and bowl (to drain and catch grease)

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
8 oz cream cheese
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
12 oz marinara sauce, like this Newman’s Own Marinara
Salt & pepper, to taste
Grated parmesan cheese, optional for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the beef: In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned.

2. Season: While the beef cooks, stir in Italian seasoning and any salt and pepper you prefer.

3. Drain: Once browned, drain excess grease into a bowl using a strainer.

4. Add cream cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in the cream cheese. Continue stirring until fully melted and well combined.

5. Add sauce & tomatoes: Turn heat to low. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and marinara sauce until evenly mixed.

6. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, just until heated through.

7. Serve: Enjoy as-is, or pair with your favorite sides. These Keto Cheddar Biscuits make an amazing sidekick!

How to Serve this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet

Over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
On top of mashed cauliflower or mashed potatoes
As a hearty filling in lettuce wraps
Over pasta or rice for the kids (and maybe mama, too!)
With my Keto Cheddar Biscuits: The cheesy, savory biscuits are the perfect partner to soak up all that creamy sauce.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: This recipe freezes beautifully! Cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

💬 Now it’s your turn! Have you tried this creamy ground beef recipe yet? Drop a comment below and tell me how you served it — and if your family loved it as much as mine does.

More Easy Skillet Meals You’ll Love

Creamy Low-Carb Beef Stroganoff Skillet

Creamy BLT Ground Beef Skillet

Cheesy Kielbasa & Cabbage Skillet

2-Ingredient Ground Beef Alfredo