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One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

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4 from 12 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and creamy heavy cream, all cooked together with pasta for an easy and delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers rich Italian-inspired flavors with minimal fuss and cleanup.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 500g (1 lb) beef mince (ground beef)

Seasonings & Sauce

  • 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

Liquid & Pasta

  • 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock/broth, low sodium
  • 350g (12 oz) fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, or other short pasta

Finishing Touches

  • 3/4 cups thickened (heavy) cream
  • Parmesan cheese, finely grated (to serve)
  • Parsley, finely chopped (optional, to serve)

Instructions

  1. Sauté: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, cooking for about 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  2. Cook beef & seasonings: Add the ground beef mince to the pot. Cook, breaking the meat up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink. Stir in the Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds to release their aroma. Then add the tomato paste and cook for another 1 minute to remove its raw flavor.
  3. All in: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine everything, then add the pasta directly into the pot.
  4. Cook 15 min: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes at first, then more frequently near the end to prevent the pasta from sticking to the base. Cook until the pasta is just about tender.
  5. Creamy: Pour in the thickened cream and stir. Allow the dish to simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will remain quite saucy, which is intended, as the pasta will continue to absorb moisture.
  6. Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Give the pasta a good stir, then serve immediately in bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use Italian herbs such as dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary for authentic flavor.
  • Low sodium chicken broth keeps the salt level manageable and allows better control over seasoning.
  • You can substitute the pasta shape with your favorite short pasta like penne, fusilli, or macaroni.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.