The Easiest One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe Ever

Crafting a delightful one pot creamy tomato beef pasta promises an effortless culinary adventure for hungry home cooks.

Comfort meets convenience in this streamlined meal that eliminates multiple dirty dishes.

Hearty ground beef mingles with rich tomato sauce, creating a deeply satisfying dining experience.

Tender pasta absorbs the creamy, robust flavors during a single cooking process.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal preparation.

Cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding luxurious depth to every forkful.

Curious cooks can quickly master this simple yet impressive dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

All Ingredients Needed for One Pot Pasta

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the pasta dish.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic flavor boosters provide a deep, savory base for the sauce.

• Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and helps create a delicious cooking liquid for the pasta.
• Crushed Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes: Add tangy sweetness and create a robust tomato sauce foundation.

• Heavy Cream: Brings a luxurious, smooth texture and rich creaminess to the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the overall flavor profile.

• Uncooked Pasta: The main carbohydrate component that absorbs the flavorful sauce.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Provide classic Italian herb notes to complement the tomato sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the dish's flavors.

• Fresh Basil, Red Pepper Flakes: Add a fresh herb touch and optional heat to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for initial browning of the beef and sautéing aromatics.

How to Cook Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta with Ease

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame.

Toss in ground beef and cook until it turns a rich golden brown.

Use a spoon to drain away any extra grease, leaving behind the flavorful meat.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Sprinkle chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot.

Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance and the vegetables become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Foundation

• Crushed tomatoes
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Pasta Blend

• Uncooked pasta
• Heavy cream
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring each ingredient gets cozy with the others.

Step 5: Transform into a Complete Meal

Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Watch as the pasta becomes tender and the sauce thickens into a luscious coating.

Step 6: Elevate and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

For an extra kick, scatter some chopped fresh basil and red pepper flakes.

Serve piping hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Pro Tips for Creamy and Flavorful One Pot Pasta

• Pat the beef with paper towels to remove excess grease, ensuring a cleaner and less oily final dish.
• Select short pasta like penne or rotini that holds sauce well and cooks evenly in the one-pot method.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add more beef broth to maintain a creamy, smooth texture during cooking.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes sparingly or serve them on the side to let everyone customize their heat preference.
• Use freshly chopped basil instead of dried for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile at the end of cooking.

Delicious Variations to Customize This Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. This creates a creamy texture without dairy products.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, swap dried herbs with taco seasoning, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

Hearty Family Dinner Delight: Serve this creamy tomato beef pasta as a comforting main course for a satisfying family meal.

Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Pick: Bring this dish to gatherings or potlucks – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that travels well and feeds many.

Fresh Herb Topping Twist: Sprinkle extra fresh basil, grated Parmesan, or a dash of red pepper flakes just before serving to add bright, zesty flavors.

Balanced Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal and add some fresh, light elements to the rich pasta.

Best Practices for Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Pour pasta into a skillet, add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated evenly and creamy consistency returns.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative that works great in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mildly seasoned. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the spice level.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

Use lean ground beef, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese to cut down on calories.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Fresh tomatoes can work, but canned tomatoes provide more consistent flavor and texture. If using fresh, you’ll need to add extra liquid and might need to adjust cooking time.

Why This Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Is a Winner

• Conquer Kitchen Simplicity: This one-pot wonder eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, making meal preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Satisfy Hearty Appetites: Packed with protein-rich ground beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe delivers a filling and comforting meal that pleases everyone at the table.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow quick adaptations like swapping pasta types, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences.
• Speed Through Dinner Prep: From start to finish, this recipe requires minimal chopping and cooking time, perfect for weeknight meals when energy and patience are running low.

One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty one pot creamy tomato beef pasta delivers comfort and convenience in a single skillet. Pasta lovers will savor this quick, satisfying meal that combines rich beef, tangy tomatoes, and creamy sauce for a delightful dinner you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Components:

• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes

Liquid Components:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Pasta:

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until deeply browned, releasing rich flavors. Eliminate excess grease by draining thoroughly.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot, sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour crushed and diced tomatoes along with beef broth into the pot. Elevate heat to create a gentle, rolling simmer that develops deep, complex flavors.
4. Incorporate uncooked pasta directly into the simmering liquid. Add heavy cream, dried herbs, and seasoning, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated.
5. Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to gently cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
6. Once pasta reaches perfect al dente texture and sauce thickens substantially, remove from heat. Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for luxurious creaminess.
7. Plate the pasta, garnishing with torn fresh basil leaves and optional red pepper flakes for a vibrant, zesty finish. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize Protein: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Reduce Dairy: Use lactose-free cream or coconut milk to make the recipe more accessible for those with dairy sensitivities.
• Boost Nutrition: Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the sautéing stage to increase the dish’s nutritional value and fiber content.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit individual heat preferences, or omit completely for a milder flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg