One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love this One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe because it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together so quickly. There’s something magical about cooking everything in one pot — the beef, the pasta, the sauce — all those delicious flavors meld beautifully without extra fuss. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how creamy and comforting it was, making it a go-to for busy evenings when I want something hearty yet easy.

You’ll find that this One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about flavor and texture that shine through without complicated steps. The mix of tangy tomatoes, creamy sauce, and tender beef wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta makes every bite satisfying. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, which as a busy cook, I greatly appreciate!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together seamlessly, giving you a rich and delicious sauce with the perfect pasta texture. I recommend using fresh garlic and a good quality crushed tomato for the best flavor impact.

• Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil adds subtle fruity notes and helps sauté the aromatics beautifully.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for a punch of flavor that infuses the sauce.
• Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and body in the base of the sauce.
• Beef mince / ground beef: I use lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty without too much grease.
• Italian herbs: A fragrant mix that brings warm, herby notes – dried oregano and basil work well.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds richness.
• Crushed tomatoes: Use quality canned tomatoes or passata for smoothness.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch gives a subtle kick; perfect if you like a touch of heat.
• Cooking salt/kosher salt: Essential for seasoning all layers of flavor.
• Black pepper: Fresh cracked adds a sharp background note.
• Chicken stock/broth: Low sodium variety lets you control salt without losing flavor depth.
• Short pasta (fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni): These shapes hold sauce wonderfully and cook evenly in the pot.
• Thickened / heavy cream: The secret to that silky, creamy finish that makes this pasta irresistible.

Variations

I love how flexible this recipe is. Feel free to customize it to suit what you have on hand or dietary preferences—it’s your kitchen, after all! Here are a few ways I’ve tweaked it with great results.

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner option, I swapped beef with ground turkey once, and it was still just as creamy and delicious.
• Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based mince or extra mushrooms with a vegetable broth instead of beef, and it still hits all the comfort notes.
• Add veggies: Throw in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and add fresh texture.
• Spice it up: If you like bold flavors, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Onion Until Fragrant

Start by heating your olive oil over high heat in a large heavy-based pot. Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, cooking for about 1 ½ minutes. You want them soft and fragrant but not browned—this builds the flavor base without bitterness. Keep stirring so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Add Seasonings

Add your beef mince, breaking it up as you go with your spatula or spoon. Cook until there’s no more pink visible—this usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Then sprinkle in the Italian herbs and cook for another 30 seconds to bloom their aroma. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a full minute; this step is key to mellow the raw tomato taste and deepen the sauce.

Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Stock, and Pasta

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine. Now add your chosen pasta directly into the pot. This is where the magic happens: the pasta cooks gently, soaking in the flavorful liquid around it.

Step 4: Simmer and Stir Until Pasta is Tender

Bring the mix to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat so it continues a gentle simmer—don’t let it boil too hard or stick. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes initially and then more frequently near the end. Tossing regularly is crucial to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom, and to help it cook evenly in the flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Finish Off

Once the pasta is just about tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, turn the heat to low and stir in the cream. Let it gently simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will be lovely and saucy, not dry — that’s exactly what you want since it thickens a little as it cools and the pasta continues to absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the pot from the heat, give everything a good stir to nap the pasta in sauce, then ladle into bowls. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a little fresh parsley if you like. You’ll be amazed how such simple ingredients yield a rich, comforting meal everyone will ask for again.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with freshly grated Parmesan because it melts beautifully into the warm sauce, adding a salty, nutty finish. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the creaminess perfectly.

Side Dishes

Since this is a complete one-pot meal, I usually keep sides simple. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette works wonderfully to balance the richness. Sometimes, we add garlic bread to sop up the sauce – I can’t resist the crispy buttery crunch alongside that creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this pasta in individual mini cast iron skillets or shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh basil on top. It’s a fun way to make weeknight dinner feel a little more festive. Adding a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes right before serving adds a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find it stays fresh for about 3 days. The pasta will soak up the sauce as it sits, so it’s best to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it back up to that creamy consistency.

Freezing

This pasta freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2 months. When thawing, I recommend overnight in the fridge, then reheating gently on the stove with a bit of cream or broth to bring back the sauce’s silky texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. I add a splash of chicken stock or cream to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwave-heavy reheats which can dry out the pasta or cause uneven hot spots.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s warm, comforting, and so straightforward to make. I recommend you give it a try the next time you want something homemade but fuss-free—it’s like a big, cozy hug on a plate. I’m confident once you make it, it’ll earn the same spot in your regular meal rotation as it has in mine!

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