One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta: A Comfort Meal Made Simple

When it comes to easy, satisfying meals that don’t require endless dishes, one-pot pasta recipes are a game-changer. This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is the perfect example — rich, flavorful, and incredibly comforting, all made in a single pot for minimum mess and maximum taste. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling mealtimes, or just craving a hearty dinner, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this delicious meal—from the ingredients and step-by-step preparation to tips for customizing the recipe and making it your own.

Why One Pot Meals Are So Popular

One-pot meals have surged in popularity for good reason. They offer convenience without compromising flavor, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup. By combining everything in one pot, you infuse the pasta with all the rich flavors from the meat, tomatoes, herbs, and cream. This method ensures every bite is packed with taste, while keeping the process streamlined.

In busy lives, convenience matters. With this recipe, you can have a wholesome, home-cooked dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep and effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these simple, easy-to-find ingredients. The measurements are given in US customary cups and units for ease of use:

1½ tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
2 teaspoons Italian herbs (a blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 ounces crushed tomatoes (one standard can)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
12 ounces short pasta such as fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni
¾ cup heavy cream

For Serving:

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Why These Ingredients Work Together

Each ingredient plays a specific role in building the layers of flavor in this dish.

Olive oil creates the base for sautéing the aromatics. It also adds a subtle richness and depth.
Garlic and onion provide aromatic sweetness and savory complexity.
Ground beef is the hearty protein, adding robust flavor and texture.
Italian herbs infuse the sauce with classic Mediterranean seasoning that complements the tomato base perfectly.
Tomato paste and crushed tomatoes create a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that’s the heart of the dish.
Red pepper flakes add an optional gentle heat that lifts the flavors.
Chicken broth hydrates the pasta while contributing additional savory notes.
Heavy cream rounds out the acidity from the tomatoes, creating a luscious, silky texture.
Parmesan and parsley provide finishing touches, adding saltiness, nuttiness, and freshness.

Step-by-Step Directions for Success

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté for about 1½ minutes. The goal is to soften the onions and release the garlic’s fragrance without browning or burning them. This creates a flavorful foundation for the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. The beef will release juices, which will start to mingle with the aromatics, enriching the flavor base.

Step 3: Season and Add Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the Italian herbs over the beef and stir well. Let the herbs toast for about 30 seconds to bloom their flavor. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Cooking the tomato paste helps eliminate any raw taste and deepens the sauce’s flavor.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Spices

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the red pepper flakes if using, along with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all elements. The mixture at this stage will be quite liquidy — this is important to allow the pasta to cook properly.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Simmer

Add the dry pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid as it cooks.

Step 6: Finish with Cream

Once the pasta is nearly cooked through (usually about 15 minutes), stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes. This final step thickens the sauce and gives it a rich, velvety texture that coats each pasta piece beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Remove the pot from heat. Allow the pasta to rest for a few minutes to thicken up slightly. Serve in bowls, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and brightness.

Prep Time and Nutrition Information

This recipe is designed to be quick and efficient:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Each serving contains approximately 610 calories, making it a filling meal that balances protein, carbohydrates, and fat.

Tips to Elevate Your One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

Choose the right pasta: Medium-sized pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni work best because they hold sauce well and cook evenly in one pot. Avoid tiny pastas like orzo that can overcook or stick together.
Don’t rush the simmer: Stir regularly but gently during cooking. This prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures even absorption of the broth and tomato sauce.
Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, add more heavy cream gradually until you reach your desired consistency. For a lighter option, reduce the cream or substitute with half-and-half.
Add veggies: Feel free to boost nutrition by stirring in fresh spinach, kale, or diced bell peppers halfway through cooking. These veggies will soften in the simmering sauce without overpowering flavors.
Storage and reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture. Avoid freezing as pasta sauces with cream can separate when thawed.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta texture.
Spice it up: For those who like heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce at the end. Balance with a bit of sugar if acidity becomes too strong.

Variations to Try

Cheesy Twist

Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir until melted for an extra creamy, cheesy pasta bake feel.

Herb-Infused

Toss in fresh basil or oregano leaves just before serving to enhance freshness and aroma.

Mushroom Addition

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthier, umami-packed sauce.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Weeknights

Between work, family, and other commitments, weeknights are often the hardest time to prepare a healthy, satisfying meal. This recipe checks all the boxes:

Speed: Total cooking time under 30 minutes.
Simplicity: One pot means less prep and cleanup.
Flavor: Rich, hearty, and comforting flavors that feel indulgent yet homey.
Flexibility: Easily customized with what you have on hand or dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta stands out as a modern classic that combines convenience with hearty, delicious flavors. It’s a recipe that invites experimentation while providing a dependable foundation for a comforting dinner. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a satisfying pasta dish, this recipe delivers.

Give it a try, and you may find this one-pot wonder becoming a staple in your recipe rotation.