Creamy Kalamata Beef Pasta

Featured in: International BBQ Flavors

Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired pasta adorned with creamy ground beef, briny Kalamata olives, vibrant tomato sauce, and a touch of oregano. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish delivers rich flavors heightened with a creamy texture, perfect for a hearty weeknight meal. Finish with feta or parsley for a delightful contrast and added freshness. The combination of high-protein beef, tangy olives, and smooth cream brings comforting indulgence balanced by lively herbs and sauce, making this satisfying main a standout choice.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:43:00 GMT
Creamy Kalamata beef pasta served with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese.  Save
Creamy Kalamata beef pasta served with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese. | bitegrill.com

A Mediterranean twist with briny olives, tomato, and creamy ground beef sauce.

I first tried this pasta on a busy weeknight and it instantly became a household favorite.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 300 g penne
  • Ground beef: 400 g
  • Kalamata olives: ¼ cup chopped
  • Tomato sauce: 2 cups
  • Cream: ½ cup
  • Dried oregano: 1 tsp

Instructions

Cook pasta:
Boil penne until al dente and set aside.
Brown beef:
Cook ground beef in a skillet, drain any excess liquid.
Make sauce:
Add olives, tomato sauce, cream, and oregano to beef. Simmer until thickened.
Combine:
Mix sauce with cooked pasta.
Delicious creamy Kalamata beef pasta featuring briny olives in a rich sauce.  Save
Delicious creamy Kalamata beef pasta featuring briny olives in a rich sauce. | bitegrill.com

Sharing this meal brought everyone to the table with smiles and laughter.

Required Tools

Pot for boiling pasta and skillet for browning beef

Allergen Information

This recipe contains dairy and wheat ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Calories per serving: 510. Total fat: 21 g. Carbohydrates: 45 g. Protein: 35 g.

Hearty creamy Kalamata beef pasta topped with parsley and Kalamata olives. Save
Hearty creamy Kalamata beef pasta topped with parsley and Kalamata olives. | bitegrill.com

This pasta tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a different flavor or to suit dietary needs.

Which pasta shape works best for this dish?

Penne holds the creamy sauce well, but rigatoni or fusilli also pair nicely for this preparation.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Replace cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and skip or substitute feta as a finishing touch.

What can I use instead of Kalamata olives?

Black or green olives offer a different taste but still provide a briny accent to the sauce.

How can I add extra vegetables?

Stir in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added color, nutrients, and flavor depth.

Creamy Kalamata Beef Pasta

Penne tossed in creamy beef sauce with Kalamata olives and tomato, offering bold Mediterranean flavors.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Mediterranean

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Pasta & Protein

01 10 ounces penne pasta
02 14 ounces ground beef

Sauce

01 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
02 2 cups tomato sauce
03 1/2 cup heavy cream
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Pasta: Cook penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Phase 02

Sauté Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking up meat with a spoon. Drain excess fat.

Phase 03

Create Sauce: Add chopped Kalamata olives, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and dried oregano to the skillet with beef. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.

Phase 04

Combine and Finish: Stir cooked penne into the beef sauce. Toss until pasta is fully coated and heated through.

Tools needed

  • Large pot
  • Skillet

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Contains dairy and wheat.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 510
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 35 g