One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

If you’re craving a dinner that’s hearty, creamy, and comes together with minimal cleanup, this One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is your answer. Tender pasta, juicy ground beef, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce simmer together in just one pot, making this recipe the ultimate weeknight hero. With every bite, you get comfort food satisfaction without the hassle of juggling multiple pans.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple steps.
• Minimal Cleanup – Only one pot required from start to finish.
• Simple Ingredients – Everyday pantry staples you likely already have.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Family-friendly flavors that both kids and adults love.
• Unbelievably Creamy – The perfect balance of rich tomato and silky cream.

Unlike many pasta dishes that need separate pots for boiling pasta and making sauce, this version brings everything together. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows it to absorb all the savory flavors—giving you an irresistible depth you won’t find in standard pasta recipes.

Ingredients Needed

For the Flavor Base:

• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

For the Meat & Seasoning:

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef / beef mince
• 2 tsp Italian herb blend (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle heat)
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt (or cooking salt)
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 400 g (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
• 4 cups (1 L) low-sodium chicken broth

For the Pasta & Creaminess:

• 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, or macaroni work best)
• ¾ cup thickened cream (heavy cream)

How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

• Build the Flavor Base
  Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the garlic and onion for about 1–2 minutes, until softened and fragrant. This step lays the foundation for the sauce.
• Brown the Beef
  Add ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains. Stir in the Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds to release their aroma. Mix in tomato paste and let it cook for 1 minute—this removes the raw, sharp flavor and deepens the sauce.

• Add Liquids & Pasta
  Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the pasta directly into the liquid and stir so it’s evenly distributed.
• Simmer Until Tender
  Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally at first, then more often as the pasta cooks to prevent sticking. The pasta should be just al dente, with a slightly firm bite.
• Make It Creamy
  Pour in the cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta. It should remain saucy—remember, pasta continues to soak up liquid even after cooking.

• Serve & Enjoy
  Remove from heat and stir to combine. Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a finishing touch.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal. A sprinkle of red chili flakes or fresh basil adds a restaurant-style finish.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals.

Helpful Notes

• Pasta Choice: Short pasta shapes hold the creamy sauce best—avoid long pasta like spaghetti.
• Make Ahead: Chop onions and garlic in advance to save time.
• Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
• Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of red wine when cooking the beef for richness.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: simple, comforting, and irresistibly creamy. It saves you time in the kitchen while delivering maximum flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just need a cozy dinner for two, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment and a star rating below. Don’t forget to share your delicious creation on Pinterest or Facebook! What’s your favorite pasta shape to use in one-pot recipes? Share it with us—we’d love to hear!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different protein instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work beautifully in this recipe. Adjust seasoning as needed to match the flavor profile.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. Keep an eye on cooking time, as gluten-free pasta may cook faster or slower.

Why did my sauce split or curdle?

If cream is added too quickly over high heat, it can split. Lower the heat before stirring in cream and allow it to gently simmer.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, but with a note: pasta tends to soften after freezing. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing and store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should coat the pasta while still remaining slightly loose and saucy. It will continue to thicken as it cools and sits.