One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner when you need something hearty, comforting, and easy to make. This rich and creamy pasta combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce that all cooks together in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Rich, creamy tomato sauce with perfectly cooked pasta.
- Family-friendly and packed with comforting flavors.
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Easily customizable with your favorite pasta shapes and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 400 g (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 350 g (12 oz) fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, or other short pasta
- ¾ cup heavy cream
For Serving
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 1½ minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir well and add the pasta.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is nearly tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
- Remove from the heat and let the pasta rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Tips & Tricks
- Stir frequently during cooking to keep the pasta from sticking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of warm broth.
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- Fresh basil makes a delicious finishing touch.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Nut-Free
Notes
- Penne, fusilli, macaroni, or rotini all work beautifully.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
- For extra richness, stir in a little cream cheese with the heavy cream.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. It stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I use another type of meat?
Absolutely. Ground chicken, turkey, or lamb all work well.
What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta such as fusilli, penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Can I make it spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Storage
Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Similar Recipes
One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 500 g 1 lb ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 400 g 14 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 350 g 12 oz fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, or other short pasta
- ¾ cup heavy cream
For Serving
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 1½ minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir well and add the pasta.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is nearly tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
- Remove from the heat and let the pasta rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Notes
- Penne, fusilli, macaroni, or rotini all work beautifully.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
- For extra richness, stir in a little cream cheese with the heavy cream.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners. With tender pasta, savory beef, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce, every bite is packed with flavor. Best of all, everything comes together in a single pot, making cleanup quick and easy. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals for the week, this simple recipe is sure to become a regular favorite.