The Best One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe Ever Made

Whipping up a delightful one pot creamy tomato beef pasta promises pure culinary comfort without complicated kitchen gymnastics.

Pasta lovers adore simple meals that deliver maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Hearty ground beef mingles beautifully with rich tomato sauce, creating a creamy dream that satisfies deep hunger.

Robust ingredients merge seamlessly in a single pan, letting you breeze through dinner preparation.

Weeknight cooking demands smart strategies, and this recipe checks every box for speed and deliciousness.

Fragrant herbs and melted cheese add the perfect finishing touch to this crowd-pleasing dish.

Serving Ideas for Tomato Beef Pasta

• Pasta Night Perfection: Serve this hearty one-pot meal with a crisp green salad for a balanced dinner.
• Bread Companion: Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread complements the creamy tomato sauce wonderfully, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Wine Pairing Magic: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese enhances the rich beef and tomato flavors, creating a restaurant-quality dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the creamy richness.

How to Store Leftover Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Will maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can swap spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. Choose pasta that holds sauce well and cooks in similar time.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional. If you skip them, the dish will be mild and kid-friendly. Add flakes for extra heat.

• Can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk for fewer calories.

• What if I don't have chicken stock?

Substitute with beef stock or water with a beef bouillon cube. These alternatives will maintain the recipe’s rich flavor profile.

Why One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Is a Comfort Meal

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Dive into a hassle-free one-pot wonder that eliminates multiple dishes and reduces kitchen cleanup time.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Blend rich ground beef, aromatic herbs, and creamy sauce for a restaurant-quality meal packed with incredible taste layers.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Create a hearty, satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful shared experience.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Whip up a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that guarantee success.

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the pasta dish.
• Pasta: The core component that provides a satisfying base for the creamy tomato sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Delivers a vibrant, tangy base for the sauce with a robust tomato flavor.

• Garlic, Onion: Foundational ingredients that build a deep, savory flavor profile for the dish.
• Italian Herbs: Adds classic Mediterranean seasoning and enhances the overall taste of the pasta.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and spicy kick to the recipe.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Stock: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce that coats the pasta and beef.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and prevents sticking.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese, Parsley: Optional toppings that add a fresh, sharp, and herbal finishing touch.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors into the pot.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.

• Italian herbs
• Tomato paste
• Crushed tomatoes
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to combine the rich, savory flavors.

Step 3: Simmer and Cook Pasta

Pour chicken stock into the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Continue cooking until the pasta reaches al dente texture and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and stir continuously.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become luxuriously creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving dishes.

Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Pro Tips for Creamy Pasta Perfection

• Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking in the one-pot method.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance for a personalized flavor profile.
• Select shorter pasta shapes like penne or rotini that hold sauce better and cook evenly.
• Add heavy cream at the end to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat alternative without sacrificing creaminess.

Variations to Customize Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrates and adding extra vegetables to the dish.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meatless alternative that maintains the recipe's rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free version that's equally satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Select gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice as a base, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with dietary restrictions.

One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy tomato beef pasta brings comfort and flavor straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Hearty ingredients meld together in a single pot, promising rich satisfaction with minimal cleanup and maximum deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

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

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cooking salt/kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Sauce Components:

• 12 ounces fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, or other short pasta
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 14 ounces can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
• 3/4 cup thickened/heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, finely grated (for serving)
• Parsley, finely chopped (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, gently sautéing minced garlic and diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Enhance the mixture with Italian herbs, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Pour chicken stock into the pot, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer. Add uncooked pasta and allow it to cook, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking, until pasta reaches al dente texture and most liquid is absorbed, roughly 8-10 minutes.
5. Incorporate heavy cream and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a luxurious, velvety consistency.
6. Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a moment. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal before serving hot.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive palates.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Make the dish gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles.
• Create a vegetarian version by replacing beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for similar texture and umami depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg