Name: One pot creamy tomato beef pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 onion, finely chopped; 500g / 1 lb beef mince (ground beef); 2 tsp Italian herbs (or a mix of dried oregano, parsley, basil); 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 or kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 cups (1 L) low sodium chicken stock or broth; 350g / 12 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, etc.); 3/4 cup thickened or heavy cream; Parmesan cheese, finely grated; Parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Grab your biggest pot and let’s make magic happen, because One pot creamy tomato beef pasta brings hearty comfort and bold, Italian-inspired flavor to your dinner table without leaving you with a mountain of dishes. This recipe is an absolute dream for busy nights and pasta lovers alike; tender pasta simmers in a silky, tomato-rich sauce with seasoned ground beef and a lovely swirl of cream. Every bite is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, perfect for sharing around the table with friends or family. What makes this dish even more irresistible? Everything comes together in one pot, and the pasta soaks up every savory note in that creamy tomato sauce for an irresistibly cozy meal you’ll want to make again and again!

One pot creamy tomato beef pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One pot creamy tomato beef pasta is all about simple ingredients coming together for maximum comfort. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color in every satisfying spoonful.

Olive oil: Start things off right for sautéing and infusing a gentle, Mediterranean base note to the sauce.
Garlic: A couple of minced cloves give that wonderful aroma and subtle heat as your kitchen starts to smell amazing.
Onion: Adds sweetness and melts beautifully into the sauce for a full-bodied base.
Beef mince (ground beef): Brings hearty, savory depth and makes this pasta a true crowd-pleaser.
Italian herbs: A dried blend of oregano, basil, and parsley brings an unmistakable herby aroma and classic Italian flair.
Tomato paste: Gives concentrated tomato flavor and deepens the richness of the sauce.
Crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata): Forms the backbone of your creamy sauce—vivid color and fresh tomato taste.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a little kick; totally optional, but perfect for spice lovers.
Cooking salt (kosher salt): Essential for seasoning every layer and bringing all the flavors together.
Black pepper: Balances the richness and warms up the dish.
Chicken stock/broth (low sodium): Adds savory depth and helps cook the pasta to chewy, flavorful perfection.
Short pasta (fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni): The shape catches plenty of creamy sauce in every bite; use what you love, just not tiny pastas like risoni.
Thickened or heavy cream: Swirls in luscious richness and gives the sauce its irresistible, creamy finish.
Parmesan cheese (to serve): Freshly grated on top adds a salty, nutty pop that completes the dish.
Parsley (optional): A sprinkling of chopped parsley lifts the color and adds a hint of freshness.

How to Make One pot creamy tomato beef pasta

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-based pot over high heat. Add your minced garlic and chopped onion, letting them sizzle for about a minute and a half. You’ll know this step is perfect when the kitchen starts to smell fragrant—this is the foundation of your One pot creamy tomato beef pasta, so let those aromatics work their magic!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor

Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it browns. Keep cooking until there’s no visible red left, which brings out those deep, meaty notes. Sprinkle in your Italian herbs and let them bloom for half a minute before stirring in the tomato paste. Give that paste a full minute on the heat; this helps cook out its raw flavor and intensifies its color and sweetness.

Step 3: Make it Saucy

Next, add your crushed tomatoes (or passata), chicken stock, a generous pinch of salt and black pepper, and the red pepper flakes if you want some gentle heat. Stir everything well, then pour in your favorite short pasta. Make sure the pasta is as submerged as possible—this way, it will soak up all those delicious flavors as it cooks.

Step 4: Simmer the Pasta

Bring the pot to a simmer and let the mixture cook for about 15 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking, and especially more frequently as it thickens towards the end. You’re aiming for pasta that is just about cooked through and slightly al dente, ready to absorb the final creamy swirl.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble away for another minute or two. The sauce should look glossy and still a bit loose (trust me, the pasta will keep soaking up the sauce!). Stir it all together and bask in that lovely, creamy hue—a true hallmark of One pot creamy tomato beef pasta.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove the pot from the stove and give everything one last hearty stir. Ladle generous portions into bowls, then shower with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve it up while everything is piping hot and marvel at how one pot created pure pasta bliss.

How to Serve One pot creamy tomato beef pasta

Garnishes

Nothing finishes this dish quite like a generous grating of parmesan cheese—trust me, don’t hold back! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness and a pop of color, making your One pot creamy tomato beef pasta look as wonderful as it tastes. For a tiny twist, you could even add a few ribbons of fresh basil or a drizzle of good olive oil for even more aroma.

Side Dishes

Serving this creamy tomato beef pasta with sides is all about balance. Warm garlic bread or a hunk of crusty baguette will be your best friends for soaking up every last drop of sauce. For something crisp and refreshing, pair it with a simple green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette—think arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan.

Creative Ways to Present

Take presentation up a notch by spooning your One pot creamy tomato beef pasta into a shallow bowl and topping each portion with a swirl of cream, a tiny pile of microgreens, or some extra herbs. Or, scoop it into ramekins and bake for ten minutes with mozzarella sprinkled on top for an irresistible crusty finish. For a fun family-style meal, serve everything directly from the pot at the table and let everyone dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days—whenever you’re ready for round two, you’ll find that the flavors have mellowed and deepened even more. Just remember, the pasta will continue to absorb some sauce, making it even richer.

Freezing

While One pot creamy tomato beef pasta is best enjoyed fresh, freezing isn’t ideal because cream sauces can separate and pasta may get mushy after thawing. If you must freeze, cool the pasta thoroughly and use a freezer-safe container, but know the texture will change a bit. For best results, enjoy your leftovers from the fridge rather than the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, place your pasta in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl with a splash of chicken stock or milk to help loosen up the sauce. Heat gently over medium-low on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each round. Be careful not to overcook so the pasta stays tender and the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While short shapes like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni work best for capturing the creamy sauce, you can use spaghetti or other long pastas if you break them in half to fit your pot. Just check for doneness towards the end of the simmer time.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Definitely! Try swapping in ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based mince if you want a different twist. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to get creative with what you have on hand.

How can I make this dish spicy?

The recipe already suggests red pepper flakes for a mild kick, but you can add extra for more heat or toss in some finely chopped fresh chili. A dash of hot sauce at the end also amps things up if you like it spicy.

Is One pot creamy tomato beef pasta gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta (there are great options made from rice or chickpeas), this dish can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets. Be sure your chicken broth and other seasonings are certified gluten-free too.

What if my sauce turns out too thick?

No worries! Just add a splash of chicken stock, milk, or even water and stir it in until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Pasta loves to soak up sauce, so this simple fix will bring it right back to perfection.

Final Thoughts

You’re one pot, twenty minutes, and a handful of everyday ingredients away from true dinnertime happiness—this One pot creamy tomato beef pasta is a recipe you’ll want to tuck into your weekly rotation. It’s unfussy, deeply comforting, and guaranteed to gather everyone around the table. Give it a go and see why so many home cooks call this their favorite pasta night treat!