One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

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A rich, savory pasta dinner with ground beef and creamy tomato sauce—made all in one pot for easy cleanup.

Introduction

One-pot meals are a lifesaver when it comes to busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Not only do they minimize cleanup, but they also infuse incredible flavor as all ingredients cook together. This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is no exception — it’s a comforting, hearty dish that combines succulent ground beef with a luscious tomato cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The recipe is simple yet delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction.

This pasta meal is perfect for anyone who loves classic comfort food but wants to keep cooking hassle-free. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal for yourself, this dish is designed to maximize flavor while minimizing fuss. Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s the ideal dinner for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One pot wonder: Saves time on washing dishes.

  • Rich, creamy tomato sauce: Made with simple ingredients for maximum taste.

  • Versatile: Use any pasta shape and swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based options.

  • Balanced flavors: Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and cream bring it all together.

  • Quick prep: Minimal chopping and straightforward steps.

 Ingredients (US Measurements)

  • 1½ tablespoons olive oil — for sautéing the aromatics and browning beef

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced — adds robust aroma and flavor

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped — provides sweetness and depth

  • 1 lb ground beef — the protein base for this dish

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning — blend of herbs including basil, oregano, thyme

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste — concentrates tomato flavor and adds richness

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes — the base of the sauce

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) — for a subtle heat kick

  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt — to season perfectly

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper — for balanced seasoning

  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth — cooks the pasta and infuses flavor

  • 12 oz dry pasta (fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni) — any shape works well

  • ¾ cup heavy cream — for the creamy texture and flavor

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving — adds salty, cheesy finish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional) — adds freshness and color

How to Prepare This Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté them until they become soft and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step builds the flavor base, unlocking the sweetness of onions and the punch of garlic, which are essential to the sauce’s depth.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and a nice crumbly texture. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, around 5 minutes. Browning develops the meat’s flavor through caramelization, so don’t rush this step.

Once the beef is browned, stir in the Italian seasoning and tomato paste. The tomato paste is a secret ingredient that intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a subtle sweetness and umami. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to combine everything well.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the red pepper flakes for heat if you like a little spice, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. These simple seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Next, add the chicken broth. This liquid will cook the pasta and help blend all the flavors in one pot. Stir well to mix everything uniformly.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the dry pasta directly to the pot, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium so it simmers gently. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom or clumping together.

Simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente — tender but still with a bit of bite. During this time, the sauce will thicken as the pasta absorbs the flavorful broth.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently but thoroughly to combine. The cream softens the acidity of the tomato and adds a velvety smoothness to the sauce.

Allow it to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so the sauce is heated through and luxuriously creamy.

Step 6: Serve

Turn off the heat and let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve the creamy tomato beef pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Prep Time, Cook Time & Calories

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (chopping onions and garlic, measuring ingredients)

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes (browning beef, simmering pasta)

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Calories: Approximately 610 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings)

Expert Tips for Perfect One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot: This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents burning on the bottom.

  • Day-old pasta is great for leftovers: Reheat with a splash of water or cream to revive creaminess.

  • Don’t skip tomato paste: It’s essential for a rich, deep tomato flavor that makes this dish stand out.

  • Swap proteins if desired: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work well for a different twist.

  • Add greens: Toss in fresh spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.

  • Cheese variations: For a cheesier sauce, stir in shredded mozzarella or provolone just before serving.

  • Adjust spice level: Red pepper flakes add a mild heat; add more or omit depending on preference.

  • Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and verify your broth is gluten-free for dietary needs.

  • Double the batch: This recipe scales well for larger families or meal prep.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect For Meal Prep and Busy Families

In our fast-paced world, meals that deliver comfort, nutrition, and speed are invaluable. This one-pot pasta is not only flavorful but also easy to multiply for leftovers or meal prep. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.

Plus, with minimal cleanup — just one pot to wash — it’s a favorite for busy parents, professionals, or anyone who wants delicious home cooking without the hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
A: Yes! Use about 2 cups of finely chopped fresh tomatoes. Cook them down a bit longer to create a thick sauce.

Q: What type of pasta works best?
A: Short pasta like fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni hold the sauce well. Avoid long strands like spaghetti, which can clump.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It’s mildly spicy if you add the red pepper flakes. Omit them if you prefer no heat.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta brings together the best of hearty meatiness, tangy tomato goodness, and creamy comfort in a simple, approachable recipe. Its quick prep and cook time make it a go-to for busy nights, and its depth of flavor satisfies the soul.

Try it this week, and enjoy a no-fuss dinner that feels special every time.

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