If you’ve been searching for a comforting dinner that’s both fuss-free and irresistibly delicious, you’re about to fall in love with this 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe. It’s everything you want on a busy night: hearty, creamy, packed with flavor, and best of all, made all in one pot for super easy cleanup. Imagine tender pasta bathed in a rich, savory tomato and beef sauce, finished with a velvety touch of cream and Parmesan. This dish comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, making it a perfect weeknight winner you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot sits on a stovetop with finely chopped onions inside. The onions are pale yellow and white, spread evenly across the bottom of the pot. The pot is round and deep, showing a smooth texture inside, with a shiny black stovetop under it. The background has a clean white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, coming together simply but beautifully to build layers of taste, texture, and color. From aromatic onions and garlic to luscious cream and sharp Parmesan, these ingredients transform humble staples into a dinner everyone will rave about.

Olive oil or avocado oil: Provides a fragrant base and helps soften the vegetables without overpowering flavors.
Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed, forming the foundation of this saucy dish.
Garlic cloves (minced): Give a punch of savory warmth that marries beautifully with the beef and tomatoes.
Ground beef (90% lean): Offers hearty protein and a rich, meaty flavor while keeping the dish hearty but not greasy.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant medley that brings herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to the party, elevating the sauce.
Salt: Enhances every flavor, making sure nothing tastes bland.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balancing spice.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle heat that livens up the dish without overwhelming sensitive palates.
Beef broth: Gives a savory, meaty base to the sauce that complements the ground beef perfectly.
Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces, San Marzano recommended): Imparts natural sweetness and acidity for a robust tomato flavor and lovely sauce texture.
Pasta (fusilli, rotini, or similar, 16 ounces): Holds the sauce beautifully, with shapes that trap every creamy, meaty bite.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth, balancing acidity and adding richness.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): A salty, nutty finish that melds flavors and gives the sauce irresistible depth.

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 Onions and Garlic

Start by warming the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. This creates a perfect hot surface to soften your diced onions and garlic without burning them. Stir frequently and cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 4 to 6 minutes. This step releases their natural sweetness that forms the flavor base of your sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef with Seasonings

Next, add the ground beef into your pot. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring even browning. This is where the dish really builds its hearty, rich character, so take your time to get the beef well browned but not dried out.

Step 3: Add Broth and Crushed Tomatoes, Then Simmer

Pour in the beef broth followed by the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together to marry those robust flavors. Crank the heat up until it just starts to simmer, letting the liquids mingle while getting ready to cook the pasta right in the same pot. This is the magic moment when all elements start melding into one harmonious sauce.

Step 4: Cook Pasta in the Sauce

Once simmering, add the pasta, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Let the pasta cook gently in the rich, flavorful sauce for about 9 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Your pasta will soak up all that savory goodness, making every bite satisfyingly creamy and juicy.

Step 5: Cream and Cheese Finish

With the pot off the heat, stir in the heavy cream and half of your grated Parmesan cheese. This step transforms your dish into a velvety, dreamy meal with a perfect balance of tang, saltiness, and richness. If the sauce feels too thick, add extra broth carefully by tablespoons; too thin? Let it cook a bit longer uncovered to thicken up.

Step 6: Serve Hot with Parmesan Topping

Scoop your creamy beef pasta into bowls and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan generously on top. The sauce will thicken slightly upon standing, so serve it asap to enjoy the perfect texture and flavor combo. This final touch of cheese adds that perfect finishing note of savory indulgence.

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

A white pan filled with cooked rotini pasta in a rich reddish-orange tomato sauce, mixed with small pieces of brown meat and orange slices of cooked carrots. On the surface, there is a swirl of white cream blending into the sauce and a mound of fine, light yellow grated cheese in the middle. The sauce looks thick and textured, with the pasta spirals well coated. The whole scene is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this creamy beef pasta with fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley for a pop of green freshness and herbal zing. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds silkiness, and a grind of black pepper on top brings that last layer of flavor you didn’t know you needed.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or crunch into some toasted garlic bread that’s perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts make a great pairing, bringing vibrant color and a healthy balance to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta family-style in a large, rustic bowl to encourage sharing and conversation around the table. For a casual dinner, portion it into individual casserole dishes and bake with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and bread crumbs for a golden crust. Another fun idea is to portion into mason jars for an on-the-go lunch full of comforting flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers perfect for a quick reheat on busy days.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe ahead of time, it freezes well. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. You can also microwave individual portions with a splash of liquid, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fusilli or rotini work wonderfully because they hold sauce well, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or shells—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is ground beef necessary or can I use another protein?

You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different take, though the flavor will shift slightly. Just brown your protein as you would the beef to keep that richness.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Cream cheese or sour cream can work in a pinch, though they’ll slightly alter the texture and taste. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream, but expect a subtle coconut undertone.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Adding red pepper flakes as suggested gives a mild heat, but you can increase the amount or add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your preference.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot. Using a large pot and not overcooking helps keep the pasta perfectly tender and separate.

Final Thoughts

This 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe has become a fast favorite in my kitchen, offering a perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and incredible flavor. I promise it will bring smiles to your table, and the ease of one-pot cooking means you can spend more time enjoying the meal with your loved ones. So grab your pot, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a creamy, satisfying dinner tonight!