One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe: Cozy Family Favorite

Whipping up a delightful one pot creamy tomato beef pasta brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions for hungry families.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this straightforward culinary creation.

Pasta lovers appreciate how quickly everything comes together in a single pan.

Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying warm, rich flavors with loved ones.

Rich tomato sauce coats tender beef and perfectly cooked noodles for a mouthwatering meal.

Jump in and savor every delicious bite of this incredibly easy recipe.

One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta With Rich Depth

  • Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Whip up a delicious meal in just one pot, minimizing cleanup and saving precious time after a long day.
  • Quick and Easy Cooking: Prepare this hearty pasta dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or last-minute meal planning.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines classic flavors of beef, tomatoes, and creamy sauce that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied.
  • Versatile Ingredient Swap: Easily customize the recipe by using different proteins like ground turkey or chicken, or making it vegetarian with plant-based alternatives.

Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Combo

Fats and Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing ingredients and adds subtle flavor to the dish.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Cloves, Onion: Create a flavor foundation with their deep, savory taste profiles.
  • Italian Herbs: Adds classic Mediterranean herb notes to boost overall dish complexity.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for introducing a mild spicy kick.
Meat and Protein:
  • Beef Mince/Ground Beef: Primary protein source that creates hearty texture and rich meaty flavor.
Tomato Components:
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken sauce.
  • Crushed Tomatoes/Passata: Provides primary sauce base with fresh tomato essence.
Seasoning Essentials:
  • Cooking Salt/Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Key seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall dish flavor.
Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Stock/Broth: Adds depth and moisture to create sauce consistency.
Pasta:
  • Fusilli, Penne, Elbow Macaroni: Sturdy pasta shapes that hold sauce well.
Dairy Components:
  • Thickened/Heavy Cream: Creates creamy, luxurious sauce texture.
Garnish:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Parsley: Optional toppings for adding fresh flavor and visual appeal.

Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta One Pot

Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta One Pot

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame.

Toss in minced garlic and chopped onion, letting them dance and soften until they release their fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until it achieves a rich, golden-brown color.

Sprinkle in:
  • Italian herbs
  • Tomato paste
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir these ingredients to create a robust and flavorful base.

Step 3: Simmer and Cook Pasta

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

Add pasta and let it cook, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.

Cook until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Step 4: Create Creamy Perfection

Introduce thickened cream to the pot, stirring gently.

Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, transforming into a luxurious, velvety consistency that embraces every pasta strand.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the creamy tomato beef pasta to serving plates.

Optional but recommended: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Serve piping hot and enjoy your one-pot wonder!

Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta – Hints

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat – reduce for mild flavor or increase for extra kick.
  • Stir frequently and monitor liquid to ensure pasta cooks evenly without becoming mushy or dry.
  • Use room temperature cream to prevent sauce from breaking and create smoother, silkier texture.
  • Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during beef browning for richer, more complex taste profile.

Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Stores Easily And Reheats Great

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
  • Heat in short intervals, stirring between each 30-second burst to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.

What Goes Next to One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

  • Pair Tangy Chianti Wine: Rich, medium-bodied Italian red wine complements the robust tomato and beef flavors, cutting through the creamy sauce with its acidic notes.
  • Create Fresh Green Salad Side: Crisp mixed greens with light vinaigrette balance the hearty pasta, adding refreshing contrast and providing a lighter counterpoint to the rich dish.
  • Serve Garlic Herb Breadsticks: Warm, crusty breadsticks perfect for soaking up extra creamy sauce, enhancing the overall meal experience with complementary herbal undertones.
  • Select Craft Beer Pairing: Amber ale or hoppy IPA offers a bold flavor profile that stands up to the meaty, creamy pasta, providing a satisfying and complementary beverage option.

Italian Cheese Tomato Pie Combos

  • Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities while keeping the creamy tomato sauce intact.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of thickened cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free dish that's still incredibly creamy and satisfying.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and increase red pepper flakes for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired variation that brings bold, tangy flavors to the classic recipe.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. It will give a similar texture and absorb the same delicious flavors.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a non-spicy version. Start with a small pinch and add more to taste.

  • What if I don't have chicken stock?

You can substitute with beef stock, vegetable stock, or even water. The stock adds depth of flavor, but the dish will still be tasty with an alternative liquid.

  • Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to create a hearty vegetarian version.

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One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta brings Italian-inspired comfort directly to dinner tables with rich, savory flavors. Busy home cooks can enjoy this quick, satisfying meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal cleanup.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 500 grams (1 pound) beef mince/ground beef
  • 350 grams (12 ounces) fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, or other short pasta
  • 400 grams (14 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups (1 liter) chicken stock/broth, low sodium
  • 3/4 cup thickened/heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

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

Garnish:

  • Parmesan cheese, finely grated (for serving)
  • Parsley, finely chopped (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, then introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté the aromatics until they become translucent and fragrant.
  2. Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbly pieces while browning thoroughly. Infuse the meat with Italian seasoning, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, subtle red pepper flakes, and a balanced blend of salt and black pepper.
  3. Stream chicken stock into the mixture, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle simmer. Carefully fold in uncooked pasta, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture.
  4. Gently incorporate thickened cream, stirring continuously to create a luxurious, velvety sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the pasta becomes completely enrobed in the rich, creamy coating.
  5. Transfer the pasta to serving dishes, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of vibrant chopped parsley for an elegant finishing touch. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and wonderfully aromatic.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences.
  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary accommodations.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the dish’s aromatic quality when added at the final cooking stage.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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