One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love this One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe because it s one of those meals that feels like a big, comforting hug after a busy day. It s so simple to throw together, yet it tastes like you ve spent hours in the kitchen. The creamy tomato sauce blends perfectly with the beef and pasta, making it a total crowd-pleaser-trust me, my family goes crazy for this dish!

You ll find that this recipe works wonders on those weeknights when you want something filling, flavorful, and fuss-free. Just one pot, a handful of ingredients, and you re set. Plus, it s a great way to get dinner on the table without the usual chaos, and I love how easy cleanup is afterward!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe come together to create a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors. Using good-quality crushed tomatoes and fresh herbs really makes a difference, so try to pick your favorites at the store.

• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor in sautéing the aromatics.
• Garlic cloves: Mince finely to evenly infuse their warmth into the dish.
• Onion: A finely chopped yellow or white onion gives a sweet base note.
• Beef mince/ground beef: Go for 80/20 lean to keep it juicy but not greasy.
• Italian herbs: A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme adds classic Italian flair-fresh or dried works.
• Tomato paste: This gives depth and richness, so don t skip it!
• Crushed tomatoes (or passata): Adds a bright, fresh tomato flavor to the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For just a little kick – adjust to your heat tolerance.
• Cooking salt/kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground is best to add subtle warmth.
• Chicken stock/broth (low sodium): Adds savory depth without overwhelming the tomato base.
• Pasta (fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni): Use any short pasta that holds sauce well-fusilli is my personal favorite for this recipe.
• Thickened/heavy cream: This is what gives the dish its luscious, creamy finish.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated on top before serving for that perfect salty boost.
• Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herby lift and a pop of green color.

Variations

I love that this One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe is so versatile – once you ve mastered the basics, you can start to play around with it to suit your mood or dietary needs. Here are a few ways I’ve personalized it over time.

• Swap the beef: I ve made this with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, and it turns out just as tasty.
• Add vegetables: Sometimes I toss in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onion for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, doubling the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce gives a nice kick.
• Dairy-free option: Using coconut cream instead of heavy cream works surprisingly well if you need a dairy-free twist.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion and sauté them for about 1 ½ minutes until they re fragrant and just starting to soften. Don t let them brown too much – you want that sweet, mellow base flavor to shine through.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Seasonings

Next, add the ground beef and break it up with your spoon or spatula as it cooks. Stir frequently until there are no pink bits left – this usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, sprinkle in the Italian herbs and stir for about 30 seconds, then add the tomato paste. Cook the tomato paste for another minute to get rid of any rawness, stirring constantly to coat the beef evenly.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and if you like, red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine, then add your choice of pasta right into the pot. This is where the magic of the one pot happens – the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those amazing flavors.

Step 4: Simmer the Pasta

Bring the whole pot to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, and increasing stirring frequency towards the end to prevent sticking. The pasta should be just tender but still with a slight bite (al dente), and you ll notice the sauce thickening nicely. This part needs your attention, but it s not hard at all!

Step 5: Stir in the Cream

Finally, stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will be beautifully creamy but still a bit saucy – don t worry, the pasta will soak it up quickly once served. This finishing touch takes the whole dish to the next level of lush comfort.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pot from heat, give everything a final stir, and serve it straight into bowls. Don t forget to sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a little chopped parsley for freshness and color. You re ready to dig in to something truly delicious!

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese – it melts right into the creamy sauce and adds that perfect salty punch. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens it up visually and adds a fresh herbal note that complements the richness beautifully. If I m feeling fancy, a few torn basil leaves also work wonders here.

Side Dishes

Since the pasta is pretty hearty, I like to keep sides simple and fresh. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with lemon and garlic are my go-to pairings. Sometimes I ll serve it with warm garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce – trust me, that s a game changer!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I ve tried plating the pasta in shallow bowls topped with a swirl of cream and a small parmesan crisp on the side for an elegant touch. You can also sprinkle crushed chili flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil to jazz it up visually and flavor-wise. Setting the table with rustic bread baskets and fresh herbs on the side makes the whole meal feel a little more festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits, so it thickens quite a bit. When you reheat, just add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up while warming.

Freezing

I ve frozen this dish successfully – just cool it completely, portion it out, and freeze in freezer-safe containers. When thawing, I recommend doing so overnight in the fridge for the best texture. The creaminess might separate a little but stirring gently during reheating fixes that nicely.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low-medium heat. Stir often and add a splash of stock or water as needed to bring back that creamy consistency without drying it out. Microwaving works too but watch the timing closely to avoid tough pasta.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it s just so reliably delicious and easy to make. Whether you re cooking for a hungry family or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe fits the bill every time. I m always surprised at how creamy and flavorful it turns out without any complicated steps – I hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do!

One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 64 reviews

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

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Description

This one pot creamy tomato beef pasta is a comforting and hearty meal that’s quick to prepare. Ground beef is cooked with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, then simmered with crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, and short pasta until tender. Finished with heavy cream, the dish is luxuriously creamy and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Garnished with parmesan and parsley, it combines rich flavors with convenience, all cooked in a single pot to minimize cleanup.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 500g (1 lb) beef mince / ground beef

Seasonings and Sauces

• 2 tsp Italian herbs
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 400g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Liquids and Pasta

• 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock / broth, low sodium
• 350g (12 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, or similar)
• 3/4 cup thickened / heavy cream

To Serve

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

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil on high heat in a large heavy-based pot. Add the finely minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
2. Cook Beef and Season: Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up as you cook until no pink remains. Stir in the Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds to release aromas. Add tomato paste and cook for an additional 1 minute to remove any raw taste.
3. Add Tomatoes and Stock: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Cook Pasta: Add the dry pasta to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes at first and then more frequently towards the end to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is nearly tender.
5. Add Cream and Finish: Stir in the heavy cream, then let the pasta simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will remain quite saucy, which is ideal as the pasta will continue absorbing the liquid.
6. Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir the pasta well and serve into bowls. Garnish generously with finely grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

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Notes

• Use low sodium chicken stock to control salt levels in the dish.
• You can substitute short pasta shapes such as fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni depending on preference.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for mild to moderate heat or omit for no spice.
• For a richer flavor, use full-fat heavy cream, but lighter cream can be used for a lower-fat version.
• Stir frequently near the end of cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.