One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta topped with herbs in a rich sauce

One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

One pot creamy tomato beef pasta is a fantastic meal option for busy weeknights. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in just one pot. The creamy tomato sauce combined with hearty beef and pasta makes for a comforting dish that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and can be ready in under 30 minutes.

how to make One pot creamy tomato beef pasta

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 (Note 1)
  • 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) chicken stock/broth, low sodium (Note 2)
  • 350g/12 oz fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni (or other short pasta) (Note 3)
  • 3/4 cups thickened/heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • Parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Directions:

  1. Sauté: Heat the oil on high heat in a large heavy-based pot. Add garlic and onion, cooking for 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant.

  2. Cook beef & seasonings: Add the beef and cook, breaking it up as you go. Cook until there’s no red meat left. Then, add the Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds. Next, add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to remove any raw flavor.

  3. All in: Stir in the crushed tomato, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well, then add the pasta.

  4. Cook 15 min: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, especially towards the end to prevent sticking. The pasta should be almost cooked through.

  5. Creamy: Add the cream and simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will be quite saucy, which is exactly what you want!

  6. Serve: Remove from the heat. Give it a good stir, then ladle into bowls. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.

how to serve One pot creamy tomato beef pasta

To serve this delicious pasta, dish it into bowls while it’s warm. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh touch. This dish goes well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!

how to store One pot creamy tomato beef pasta

Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or stock to keep it creamy.

tips to make One pot creamy tomato beef pasta

  • Make sure to stir the pasta frequently while it’s cooking to avoid sticking.
  • If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
  • For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different types of pasta, vegetables, or seasonings. Consider using rotini or whole wheat pasta for a healthier option, or swapping the beef for sausage or plant-based mince.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta you like, such as shells or macaroni.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture before serving to increase the heat level.