If you’re craving a meal that combines comfort, flavor, and minimal fuss, this One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, creamy enough to feel indulgent but balanced perfectly with a hint of spice and Italian herbs, all coming together with al dente pasta cooked right in the same pot. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Trust me, once you try this One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe, it will top your dinner rotation forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These are simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish full of incredible flavors and appealing textures. Each component plays a key role—from the olive oil’s richness to the fresh garlic and onion that bring the base to life, to the creamy finish that makes every bite lush and comforting.
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity foundation for sautéing aromatics and beef.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced: Infuses the dish with sharp, fragrant undertones.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and depth as it softens.
- 500g (1 lb) beef mince: The hearty protein that makes this pasta a meal you won’t forget.
- 2 tsp Italian herbs: A perfect blend of oregano, basil, and thyme to elevate the sauce.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for richness and color.
- 400g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Adds freshness and natural sweetness—passata works just as well.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Optional, but highly recommended for a subtle spicy kick.
- 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt: Essential to balance all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and earthiness.
- 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock/broth (low sodium): The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with delicious savory notes.
- 350g (12 oz) fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni: Your choice of short pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 3/4 cups thickened/heavy cream: Creates that dreamy, luscious finish everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated: For topping and adding a nutty, salty richness before serving.
- Parsley, finely chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to cut through the creaminess.
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 finely minced garlic and chopped onion, stir constantly, and let them cook for about 1 and a half minutes until fragrant and translucent. This short sauté releases their natural sweetness, setting a flavorful base for the whole dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Seasonings
Next, add your beef mince to the pot. Use your spoon to break it apart and cook it until it loses all its redness and starts to brown beautifully. Toss in the Italian herbs and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds—this adds that unmistakable Italian flair. Then, stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking for another minute; this step is key for eliminating any raw tomato flavor and gives your sauce a rich, concentrated tomato depth.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Stock, and Pasta
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and if you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors. Now, add your choice of pasta directly into the pot—fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni will all soak up the sauce while cooking evenly right here.
Step 4: Simmer Pasta Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes at first and then more frequently toward the end to prevent sticking. You’ll notice the pasta softening perfectly while absorbing all those rich flavors. This single-pot cooking not only saves time but intensifies the taste as the pasta braises in the sauce.
Step 5: Stir in Cream for That Creamy Finish
Once the pasta is just about cooked through, reduce heat slightly and stir in the thickened cream. Let it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will still look quite saucy and oh-so-oozy, which is exactly what you want—pasta tends to soak up liquid quickly, so the creaminess will perfectly coat each bite.
Step 6: Serve Immediately with Cheese and Herbs
Remove the pot from heat, give everything a good stir to combine the creamy sauce and beef mixture thoroughly. Dish it out into bowls and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you have it. This simple final touch elevates the dish to restaurant-quality deliciousness.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, freshly grated Parmesan is a must—to add that salty, nutty punch. Sprinkle some chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor. If you like a little extra zing, a light drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes right on top can really pop.
Side Dishes
This pasta is pretty rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread brings wonderful contrast. Light greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad both complement this creamy, comforting main dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to show off all those beautiful swirls of creamy sauce. For a fun twist, present it alongside warm breadsticks or in small ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. It’s a great way to impress guests or add variety to a family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce’s creaminess and may thicken, so you’ll want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore its perfect texture.
Freezing
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe freezes well, but cream can sometimes separate after thawing. Freeze the cooked pasta in portions without the cream, then add fresh cream when reheating. Label your containers and enjoy within 2 months for the best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken stock, broth, or milk to loosen the sauce and bring back that luscious creaminess. Stir often to prevent sticking. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to cover and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey provides a leaner option and will still absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce and herbs beautifully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as turkey cooks a bit faster.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the beef mince for plant-based mince or sauté hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and follow the rest of the recipe as is.
What type of pasta works best in this one pot recipe?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, and elbow macaroni are the best because they cook evenly in the sauce and hold onto the creamy tomato mixture wonderfully. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair for this dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free short pasta and ensure the chicken stock you use is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat, making the dish wonderfully balanced. You can adjust or omit them based on your spice preference—everybody’s palate is different.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe is the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your belly feel so satisfied. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for nights when you want an impressive, home-cooked dinner without the usual fuss. Go ahead and give it a try; I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for cozy, delicious meals with minimal cleanup.
Print
One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This one pot creamy tomato beef pasta is a quick, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is sautéed with garlic and onions, combined with Italian herbs, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes, then simmered with pasta in flavorful chicken stock until tender. Finished with rich heavy cream and topped with Parmesan and parsley, this dish offers creamy, hearty flavors all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
Meat and Seasonings
- 500g (1 lb) beef mince / ground beef
- 2 tsp Italian herbs
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Tomato and Stock
- 400g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 4 cups (1 L) low sodium chicken stock / broth
Pasta and Dairy
- 350g (12 oz) fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, or other short pasta
- 3/4 cup thickened / heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated, for serving
- Parsley, finely chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté: Heat the olive oil over high heat in a large heavy-based pot. Add the finely minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook beef & seasonings: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the meat is no longer pink. Stir in the Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds before adding the tomato paste. Cook for an additional 1 minute to eliminate the raw tomato paste flavor.
- All in: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well, then add the pasta directly into the pot, distributing it evenly.
- Cook 15 min: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook gently for about 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, then more frequently towards the end to prevent the pasta from sticking to the base. Cook until the pasta is just tender.
- Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will be quite saucy, which is intentional as the pasta continues to absorb the liquid, resulting in a creamy consistency when served.
- Serve: Remove the pot from the stove, give everything a good stir, and ladle the pasta into bowls. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley for garnish.
Notes
- Use Italian herbs like dried oregano, basil, and thyme for best flavor.
- Low sodium chicken stock keeps the dish from becoming too salty; adjust salt to taste.
- You can substitute the pasta with any short pasta shape such as fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni.
- Stirring frequently towards the end prevents the pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
