One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

Quick One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe That Wows

Whipping up a hearty one pot creamy tomato beef pasta promises pure comfort on busy weeknights.

Savory ground beef mingles with rich tomato sauce, creating layers of deep flavor.

Pasta lovers will adore how quickly this meal comes together in a single skillet.

Cheese melts into silky strands, binding each ingredient with delectable warmth.

Simple pantry staples transform into something magical with minimal kitchen effort.

Weeknight dinners rarely taste this good while staying so uncomplicated.

One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta: Hearty One-Pot Meal

  • Minimize Kitchen Chaos: Prepare a delicious one-pot meal that eliminates multiple pans and complicated cleanup, making cooking a breeze for busy home chefs.
  • Customize with Confidence: Easily swap ingredients like pasta types or stock options, giving you flexibility to match your pantry and personal taste preferences.
  • Speed into Satisfaction: Whip up a hearty, creamy pasta dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight and hunger is high.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that combines kid-approved pasta with rich, comforting flavors everyone will love, from picky eaters to pasta enthusiasts.

Ingredients For One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this delicious one-pot pasta dish.
  • Pasta: Short pasta varieties like macaroni or penne work best for creating a satisfying meal.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy sauce that coats the pasta and beef.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the final dish.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Onion: Create a flavorful foundation for the pasta sauce.
  • Italian Herbs, Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhance the overall taste and add depth to the dish.
  • Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
Liquid and Stock:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and browning the beef.
  • Chicken Stock: Provides additional flavor and helps cook the pasta.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish to the completed pasta.

Cooking Directions For One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

Step 1: Ignite The Flavor

Heat oil in a large pot over high heat.

Toss in minced garlic and diced onions, letting them dance and caramelize for about 90 seconds until they release their aromatic magic.

Step 2: Brown The Protein

Introduce ground beef into the pot, breaking it down into crumbly pieces.

Cook until no pink remains.

Sprinkle Italian herb blend and let it bloom for half a minute.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to eliminate any raw undertones.

Step 3: Build The Liquid Foundation

Pour in:
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Chicken stock
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir the mixture thoroughly, then nestle pasta into the liquid landscape.

Step 4: Simmer And Merge

Bring contents to a gentle bubble.

Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

As pasta approaches doneness, increase stirring frequency to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Create Creamy Decadence

Drizzle heavy cream into the pot.

Let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.

The sauce should remain luxuriously saucy and inviting.

Step 6: Present And Garnish

Remove from heat.

Give a final vigorous stir.

Ladle into serving bowls.

Crown with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley.

Tips For Creamy, Rich Tomato Beef Pasta

  • Blend store-bought Italian herbs or create your own mix of dried oregano, parsley, and basil for authentic flavor depth.
  • Elevate taste by using chicken stock instead of water; try Vegeta or Knorr stock powders for budget-friendly, rich flavor enhancement.
  • Choose short pasta like macaroni or penne; break long pasta in half for even cooking and optimal texture.
  • Stir pasta frequently during cooking, especially towards the end, to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, understanding this dish isn't freezer-friendly due to cream-based sauce.

Ways To Switch Up One Pot Beef Pasta

  • Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace beef with plant-based crumbles or diced firm tofu, maintaining the creamy tomato sauce's rich flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Pasta Paradise: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta variations like brown rice or chickpea pasta, ensuring the same hearty texture and taste.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle fresh oregano for a Greek-style culinary experience.
  • Spicy Protein Power: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, increasing red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat and protein boost.

Serving Ideas For Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

  • Pasta Party Platter: Arrange the creamy tomato beef pasta on a large wooden board with extra parmesan, fresh parsley, and crusty garlic bread on the side for a stunning family-style presentation.
  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve in deep ceramic bowls, garnish with extra red pepper flakes for those who love a spicy kick, and pair with a crisp green salad to balance the rich pasta.
  • Weeknight Dinner Delight: Top each serving with additional fresh herbs, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and offer a side of warm garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
  • Lunch Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers with a small container of extra parmesan for a delicious and convenient work or school lunch option.

Storage Tips For Leftover Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3 days in the fridge.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra cream, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring frequently until heated through.
  • Since this dish contains cream, freezing is not recommended as it can separate and change the texture, making the pasta less appetizing when thawed.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and crumbled like the beef in the original recipe.

  • What if I don't have chicken stock?

You can substitute with water, but the flavor will be less rich. Vegetable stock or beef stock are good alternatives.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional. Without them, the dish is mild and family-friendly. You can adjust the heat level to your preference.

  • How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir frequently, especially towards the end of cooking. Use a heavy-based pot and keep the heat at a gentle simmer to prevent burning.

Print
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One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta delivers rich comfort straight from an Italian kitchen, blending robust beef and silky sauce. Robust flavors meld seamlessly, creating a luxurious meal you’ll savor with pure culinary satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock/broth, low sodium

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
  • 14 oz can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Pasta and Seasonings:

  • 12 oz fusilli (or penne, elbow macaroni)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian herbs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cooking salt/kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 cups thickened/heavy cream

Serving:

  • Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
  • Parsley (finely chopped, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large heavy-based pot and heat oil over high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for maximum flavor development.
  2. Introduce minced garlic and onion, sautéing for approximately 90 seconds until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add ground beef, methodically breaking it apart, cooking until no pink remains visible. Sprinkle Italian herbs and toast for 30 seconds to enhance aromatic qualities.
  4. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring continuously for one minute to eliminate raw undertones and develop deeper flavor complexity.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, seasonings, and optional red pepper flakes. Integrate uncooked pasta directly into liquid mixture.
  6. Reduce heat and allow mixture to simmer, gently stirring every few minutes to prevent pasta from adhering to pot bottom. Continue cooking for 15 minutes until pasta approaches al dente texture.
  7. Drizzle cream into the mixture, maintaining gentle simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes. Sauce should remain luxuriously loose and glossy.
  8. Remove from heat, vigorously stir to distribute ingredients evenly and create harmonious texture.
  9. Transfer to serving bowls, garnishing with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley.
  10. Select short pasta varieties like penne or macaroni, avoiding tiny shapes. Long pasta can be halved for optimal cooking.
  11. Refrigerate leftovers, consuming within three days. Not recommended for freezing due to potential texture degradation.

Notes

  • Customize herbs by blending your favorite dried spices for a personalized flavor profile that matches your taste preferences.
  • Swap beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein crumbles to create a lighter, diet-friendly version that maintains the dish’s rich, comforting essence.
  • Use low-sodium stock and control salt levels during cooking to make the recipe more heart-healthy and suitable for those monitoring sodium intake.
  • For a dairy-free alternative, replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, which adds a creamy texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant diners.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 625 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 740 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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