Simple Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe in One Pot Magic

When hunger strikes, this creamy tomato beef pasta recipe delivers comfort in every single bite.

Packed with rich, robust flavors, the dish combines tender beef and silky sauce in a seamless culinary dance.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this simple one-pot wonder.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction, blending hearty protein with tangy tomato goodness.

The pasta absorbs every delicious note, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless.

Each forkful promises warmth and satisfaction, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to savor every delectable moment of this comforting classic.

Why This Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Wins

• Streamline your cooking process by preparing an entire meal in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time.
• Indulge in a rich, creamy pasta dish that combines hearty beef, tangy tomatoes, and luxurious cheese for a deeply satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or quick weeknight meals, this recipe adapts easily to different preferences and skill levels, making it a go-to option for cooks of all experiences.
• Achieve restaurant-quality taste with basic ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, proving that delicious meals don't require complicated methods or expensive components.

What You’ll Need for Tomato Beef Pasta

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this one-pot pasta dish.
• Penne or Rigatoni Pasta: Sturdy pasta shapes that hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy foundation for the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Add depth and sweetness to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in all ingredients.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Offer a bright, herbal garnish that complements the rich sauce.

• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the meaty flavor of the dish.
• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce that coats every pasta noodle.

One Pot Tomato Beef Pasta Instructions

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Drop ground beef into the pot and cook until it transforms from pink to golden brown.

Use a wooden spoon to break apart the meat, allowing delicious crispy edges to develop.

Watch for small bits sticking to the bottom which signal deep flavor development.

Step 2: Wake Up Aromatics

Introduce diced onions and minced garlic into the beef.

Stir periodically as onions become translucent and fragrant.

The kitchen will start smelling incredible during this process.

Keep heat steady and prevent garlic from burning by moving ingredients around consistently.

Step 3: Build The Liquid Base

• Crushed tomatoes
• Beef broth

Stir thoroughly, scraping browned meat remnants from pot bottom.

These stuck pieces will dissolve and intensify overall sauce flavor.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Perfectly

• Penne
• Rigatoni

Increase heat until mixture bubbles gently, then reduce to low simmer.

Cook pasta until tender yet slightly firm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Expect cooking time around 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Create Creamy Magic

Pour heavy cream into cooked pasta.

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce becomes silky smooth.

Watch sauce transform into luxurious coating embracing every pasta curve.

Step 6: Balance Flavors

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Remember Parmesan contributes natural saltiness.

Add seasonings gradually, tasting between additions.

Step 7: Finish With Freshness

Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter across dish.

This final touch introduces bright herbal notes contrasting rich sauce.

Serve immediately in warm bowls, ready to enjoy.

Tips for Rich Tomato Beef Pasta

• Break ground beef into small pieces while browning to ensure even cooking and avoid scorching.
• Sauté onions and garlic slowly to release their natural sweetness without burning, creating a rich flavor base.
• Stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking and maintain a creamy, even texture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Add salt and pepper in small increments, tasting as you go to achieve perfect flavor without over-salting.

How to Store Tomato Beef Pasta

• Store the pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently, heating for 4-5 minutes until thoroughly warmed. This method helps prevent sauce separation and maintains creamy texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop when the pasta is steaming hot throughout, typically taking 1-2 minutes depending on portion size.

Sides That Pair with Tomato Beef Pasta

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich tomato and beef flavors. These wines offer bright acidity that cuts through the creamy sauce while matching the dish's robust profile.
• Refreshing Beverage Contrast: Select a crisp Italian pilsner or light lager that provides a clean, cold counterpoint to the heavy, creamy pasta. The beer's carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Herbal Side Companion: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. The salad's fresh, tangy notes will provide a wonderful contrast to the dense, creamy main dish.
• Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or some chopped parsley on top to elevate the dish's aromatic profile and add a burst of color and freshness that complements the hearty pasta.

Flavor Twists on Tomato Beef Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients like broth are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the core flavor profile intact.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, dairy-free sauce that still delivers incredible taste.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne or rigatoni with other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or ziti. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

• Is ground turkey a good alternative to beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe and provides a leaner protein option. The cooking method remains exactly the same.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes when browning the beef or include a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also stir in some hot sauce at the end for an extra kick.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a similar rich flavor profile.

One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty one pot creamy tomato beef pasta blends Italian comfort with weeknight convenience, delivering rich flavors in less than 30 minutes. Creamy sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked pasta create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium temperature and introduce ground beef. Sear until completely browned, breaking meat into smaller fragments using a wooden utensil. Ensure no pink remains and delectable caramelized bits develop on pot surface.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into browned meat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions transform translucent and aromatic, stirring periodically to prevent burning.
3. Introduce crushed tomatoes and beef broth into the pot. Gently mix ingredients, meticulously scraping concentrated flavor bits from bottom of cooking vessel.
4. Add pasta directly into tomato liquid mixture. Elevate heat until mixture reaches gentle boiling point, then reduce to simmer. Cook approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent pasta adherence, until noodles reach perfect tender consistency.
5. Gradually stream heavy cream into pasta mixture, blending thoroughly. Integrate grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until sauce transforms smooth and luxuriously coats each pasta strand.
6. Conduct flavor assessment, seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal preference. Distribute seasonings evenly throughout dish, remembering cheese contributes natural saltiness.
7. Finalize preparation by decorating with freshly torn basil leaves. Transfer into serving bowls, presenting a harmonious blend of creamy tomato, savory beef, and perfectly cooked pasta.

Notes

• Prevent garlic burning by adding it later in the cooking process to maintain its sweet, mellow flavor without turning bitter.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, more authentic melting texture compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Customize pasta thickness by adjusting liquid ratios – add more broth for a soupier consistency or reduce for a thicker sauce.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter dietary options without compromising creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg