If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together effortlessly, this 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. With its luscious, creamy sauce hugging perfectly cooked pasta and seasoned ground beef, every bite bursts with warmth and flavor. What makes this dish truly shine is not just the rich taste but the simplicity — all cooked in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze and dinner a joy. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or impressing friends with minimal effort, this recipe delivers on both convenience and deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot filled with partially cooked ground meat mixed with diced onions. The meat has a mix of pink and brown colors indicating it is being cooked, with some steam rising from it. A wooden spoon is stirring the mixture inside the pot, showing the cooking process. The pot rests on a black stovetop, and the surrounding surface has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role to create a perfectly balanced dish. From the tender chunks of beef to the creamy Parmesan finish, these components work harmoniously to build layers of flavor and a delightful texture.

Olive oil or avocado oil: For a luscious base that sautés the aromatics without overpowering the beef.
Onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that forms the backbone of the sauce.
Garlic cloves (minced): Brings a fragrant kick that perfectly complements the beefy notes.
Ground beef (90% lean): Provides the hearty protein that makes this pasta so satisfying and filling.
Italian seasoning: An aromatic blend that infuses the entire dish with classic Italian flair.
Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the dish.
Black pepper: Offers subtle heat and earthiness, lifting the sauce beautifully.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little gentle heat to brighten the flavour profile.
Beef broth: The liquid that simmers the pasta perfectly while enriching the overall beefy essence.
Crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended): Brings a bright, tangy acidity that cuts through the richness.
Pasta (fusilli, rotini, or similar): The fun, twisted shapes hold onto the creamy sauce in every delicious bite.
Heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly smooth, velvety finish for the sauce.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty sharpness that rounds off the dish perfectly.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive or avocado oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re softened and fragrant, around 4 to 6 minutes. This step is essential because it builds the flavor foundation for your entire dish with sweet onions and rich garlic aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to your pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Season it immediately with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, red pepper flakes. Browning the meat until it loses its pink ensures you get incredible texture and deep savory notes in every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Sauce Base

Next, pour in the beef broth and the crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together and crank the heat up just enough to bring it to a simmer. This blend creates a rich, tomato-beef sauce that’s the heart of this 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Now, add your chosen pasta directly to the simmering pot. Lower the heat to medium, cover, and let it cook for 9 to 12 minutes, stirring periodically. This allows the pasta to absorb those bold flavors while cooking to perfect al dente tenderness.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Finish

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with half of your grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in more beef broth a tablespoon at a time until you reach your perfect creaminess. Should it be too loose, simmer it just a bit longer to thicken up to that ideal consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Dish up your creamy beef pasta immediately and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese for a luscious, cheesy finish that melts beautifully over the warm pasta. Enjoy the comforting, rich layers that make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

A close-up of a pot filled with cooked rotini pasta mixed with a thick red tomato sauce and browned ground meat, all evenly coated and slightly glossy. Creamy white sauce swirls are mixed into the pasta around the edges, creating a contrast with the deep red sauce. In the middle, there is a sprinkling of fine grated cheese, pale yellow in color, slightly melting into the sauce below. The round white pot has a visible rim, and the background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten up the plate by adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley, basil leaves, or a squeeze of lemon zest. These little touches elevate the dish by adding a pop of color, freshness, and a herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This creamy beef pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic butter steamed veggies to balance the decadence. Crusty bread also makes a fantastic companion to soak up every last drop of that irresistible sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve portions in individual ramekins topped with extra Parmesan and chopped herbs. You could also add a dollop of ricotta or swirl in a spoonful of pesto to personalize each plate, making it perfect for entertaining or family meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your leftover creamy beef pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. This recipe holds up well, and flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind that the creaminess may slightly separate when thawed, so be sure to stir it well upon reheating. Frozen pasta is best eaten within 2 months for optimal quality.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture. Stir frequently to ensure even heating without sticking or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be great alternatives if you want a lighter or different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times since some meats cook faster than beef.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream cheese, though the texture might be slightly less creamy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta, and ensure your beef broth and seasonings do not contain gluten. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta brand.

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short, twisted pasta like fusilli or rotini are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well. However, penne or rigatoni also work perfectly if those shapes are what you have on hand.

Why should I use San Marzano tomatoes?

San Marzano crushed tomatoes are prized for their sweetness, low acidity, and robust flavor, which make for a richer, more nuanced sauce. If you can’t find them, any high-quality crushed tomatoes will still do a great job.

Final Thoughts

This 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is the ultimate weeknight wonder that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to make. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and brings people together effortlessly. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, grab your pot, and dive into this deliciously creamy pasta that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.