If you’re looking for a dish that combines the simplicity of a home-cooked meal with decadent flavors, look no further than this One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, savory goodness, requiring minimal cleanup because it’s all done in one pot. You’re bound to fall in love with this easy yet satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: All the magic happens in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of beef, tomato, and cream gives this dish an irresistible richness.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: With only 30 minutes from prep to plate, it’s ideal for those hectic weeknights.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easily adapted to whatever’s in your pantry or based on your family’s preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is as easy as gathering a list of straightforward ingredients that pack a punch. Each component plays a key role in enhancing the flavor and creaminess of the dish.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruity aroma while cooking the garlic and onion.
- Garlic and Onion: These staples create the savory base for your dish.
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty texture and robust flavor.
- Italian Herbs: Bring the traditional flavors of Italian cuisine directly to your kitchen.
- Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes: Offer a rich and deep tomato flavor essential for the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but add a nice heat for those who like a bit of spice.
- Chicken Stock: Infuses the pasta with savory depth as it cooks.
- Short Pasta (Fusilli, Penne, etc.): Perfect for catching every bit of sauce with its nooks and crannies.
- Heavy Cream: Adds the luscious creaminess that makes this pasta truly indulgent.
Variations
This dish is as flexible as it is flavorful. Feel free to adapt it based on what you have on hand, dietary needs, or to suit your taste preferences.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with mushrooms or lentils for a wholesome vegetarian twist.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers or spinach for a nutritional boost and extra color.
- Different Proteins: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that’s equally delicious.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating some olive oil in a large, heavy-based pot. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté them for about 1.5 minutes. This will be the aromatic base of your dish, so let the fragrances mingle beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Introduce the ground beef to your pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Add Italian herbs for an aromatic twist, followed by tomato paste to enrich the flavor. Allow the paste to cook for a minute to shed its raw taste.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget those optional red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice. Stir everything together, then add your pasta of choice.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring your mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 15 minutes. Make sure to stir every few minutes to prevent sticking, and watch as the pasta absorbs the flavors and becomes tender.
Step 5: Add Cream
Stir in the heavy cream and let everything simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This is where the dish transforms into its creamy final form. It’s delightfully saucy, just waiting to coat each piece of pasta perfectly.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the pot from the stove, give it one last good stir, and dish it out into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley to add a touch of elegance.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
- Optimal Pasta Choice: Choose short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli for the best sauce coverage and texture.
- Herb Selection: Use a mix of oregano, parsley, and basil if you’re making your own Italian herb blend.
- Gentle Simmer: Keep the heat manageable during the simmer to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
- Taste as You Go: Feel free to adjust seasonings and cream to fit your preference perfectly.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
Garnishes
Garnish this sumptuous dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. The cheese adds further depth, and the parsley brightens up the dish, providing a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce, or opt for a crisp side salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta in a shallow, wide bowl for an elegant touch, and top with a hint of red pepper flakes for a splash of contrasting color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This delectable pasta can stay fresh for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, if needed, you can freeze it. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Keep in mind, however, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or use a microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute the heat evenly. Add a dash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely, while short pasta like fusilli and penne are recommended for this recipe, you can use spaghetti or other types as well; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
-
What if I can’t find heavy cream?
If heavy cream is unavailable, you can substitute with half-and-half or even full-cream milk for a slightly lighter yet still creamy texture.
-
How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, simply add more red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers. Hot sauce is also a fun addition for those who love extra spice.
-
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Of course! Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchinis, or spinach can be sautéed with the aromatics to add both nutrition and color to this comforting dish.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as excited as I do about trying out the One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta. It’s a recipe that promises comfort, ease, and a delightful blend of flavors that will make any meal special. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a meal that’s bound to bring smiles to your table.
Print
One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This one-pot creamy tomato beef pasta is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare. Made with tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and velvety cream, all cooked together in a single pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and creamy elements that will satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Ingredients
Oil and Aromatics
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
Meat and Seasonings
- 500g/1 lb beef mince / ground beef
- 2 tsp Italian herbs (Note 1)
- 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Tomato and Broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 400g/14 oz can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
- 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock/broth, low sodium (Note 2)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (chilli flakes, optional)
Pasta and Cream
- 350g/12 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, or similar)
- 3/4 cups thickened/heavy cream
Serving
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Parsley, finely chopped, optional
Instructions
- Sauté – Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook for 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Cook beef & seasonings – Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until no longer red and browned. Sprinkle in the Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flavor.
- All in – Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well, then add the pasta directly into the mixture.
- Cook 15 min – Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat slightly and cook for 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes initially, then more frequently towards the end to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is just about tender and the liquid has reduced slightly.
- Crema – Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Continue simmering for 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will be rich and saucy, ready to be served.
- Serve – Remove from heat. Stir to combine, then spoon into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Italian Herbs – A pre-mixed blend available at most grocery stores. Alternatively, combine dried oregano, parsley, basil, or add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce as a flavor substitute.
- Chicken stock/broth – Using broth enhances flavor over water. Consider options like Vegeta stock powder or Chinese chicken stock powder (Knorr) for added depth.
- Pasta Type – Can be made with short pastas such as macaroni, penne, or elbows. For long pasta, break in half for easier cooking, about 400g/14 oz for best results.
- Leftovers – Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Not suitable for freezing due to cream content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
