One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This one pot creamy tomato beef pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines savory ground beef with a rich tomato sauce and tender pasta, all cooked together for an easy cleanup. Creamy and flavorful, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
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
- 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/kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock/broth, low sodium
- 350g (12 oz) fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, or other short pasta
- 3/4 cups thickened / heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 2: Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains. Stir in the Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flavor.
- Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together, then add the pasta to the pot.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes at first and more frequently towards the end to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta should be almost cooked.
- Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will be saucy and creamy, perfect for the pasta to absorb as you eat.
- Step 6: Remove the pot from heat. Stir well, then serve the pasta in bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a different flavor or to make it slightly lighter.
- Swap beef mince for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Try different short pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini based on your preference.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent sauce separation.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, dried Italian herbs work well and are actually called for in this recipe. Use about 2 teaspoons as indicated for the best flavor.
Is it necessary to add cream at the end?
The cream adds richness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can omit it if you prefer a lighter dish. Consider adding a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt as alternatives.
Print
One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This one pot creamy tomato beef pasta is a comforting and hearty dish combining ground beef, Italian herbs, and a rich tomato and cream sauce cooked together with pasta for an easy and delicious meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it features tender pasta simmered in a flavorful sauce made from scratch and garnished with parmesan and parsley.
Ingredients
For the Sauce and Pasta
- 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
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 400g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (chilli flakes, optional)
- 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups (1 L) low sodium chicken stock / broth
- 350g (12 oz) short pasta such as fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni
Finishing Touches
- 3/4 cups thickened / heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated, to serve
- 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 and cook for about 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Cook beef & seasonings: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook while breaking it up with a spoon until no pink remains. Stir in the Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds. Then add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw tomato flavor.
- All in: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and then add the pasta directly into the pot.
- Cook 15 min: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes and more frequently toward the end to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta should be just cooked through but still firm.
- Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will remain quite saucy, which is ideal as the pasta absorbs liquid quickly.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat, give everything a good stir, then ladle servings into bowls. Top with finely grated parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Italian herbs typically include a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- Using low sodium chicken stock helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- Short pasta such as fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni works best as they cook evenly in the one pot method.
- Stirring frequently towards the end of cooking is crucial to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- The sauce may appear thin at the end of cooking but will thicken slightly as it cools and as the pasta absorbs the liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy tomato pasta, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, Italian pasta recipe, one pot meals
