One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta – Easy Weeknight Dinner

One pot creamy tomato pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich tomato flavor, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked pasta—all in just 30 minutes! This recipe screams weeknight perfection. Why? Because it’s easy, delicious, and leaves you with only one pot to clean. Less cleaning, more enjoying. That’s the dream, right?

As someone who loves a quick and hearty meal after a busy day, this is one of my go-to recipes. I first whipped this up on a night when I had zero energy to deal with multiple pans or complicated steps. Turns out, you don’t need a ton of fuss to get a creamy, savory dinner that feels like it’s been simmering all day. With this one pot tomato beef pasta recipe, you’re getting big flavors with minimal effort. Let me show you how!

How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

This recipe keeps it simple: one pot, everyday ingredients, and only 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy cooks who don’t want to sacrifice flavor for convenience. Ready to dive in?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy creamy beef pasta. Trust me, you’ll likely have most of these ingredients on hand already. Plus, no fancy gadgets required—just a large heavy-based pot!

• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 lb ground beef (beef mince)
• 2 tsp Italian herbs (a store-bought mix works, or combine oregano, basil, and parsley)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes (or use tomato passata)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock (broth)
• 12 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, macaroni—any will do)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (thickened cream)
• Parmesan cheese, finely grated (for serving)
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

And that’s it! Simple, right? Now let’s get straight to cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This one pot tomato beef pasta recipe breaks down into a few super-easy steps. Here’s how to make it:

1. Sauté the garlic and onion: Heat the olive oil on high heat in a large heavy-based pot. Cook the garlic and onion for about 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. This little step gives the entire dish a flavor-packed base!
2. Cook the beef and seasonings: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. You want to continue until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Stir in the Italian herbs, and give it about 30 seconds to bloom and release its aroma. Then, mix in the tomato paste and cook for one minute to get rid of any raw taste.
3. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together, then add in your pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid—it might look brothy right now, but don’t worry, the pasta will soak it all up as it cooks!
4. Simmer: Bring the pot to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes, especially toward the end of cooking, so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. Keep an eye out—the pasta should be just cooked through (al dente).
5. Make it creamy: Once the pasta is ready, stir in the heavy cream. Let the pot simmer for another 1-2 minutes until everything is beautifully creamy and glossy. Pro tip: it should still look a bit saucy at this stage; the pasta will absorb the extra liquid as it sits.
6. Serve and enjoy: Remove the pot from the heat and give everything a good stir to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Ladle into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Add fresh parsley, if you like, for a pop of color. Dig in while it’s hot!

Jake’s Tips for Perfect One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Want to make your creamy one pot pasta with ground beef even better? Here are my top tips:

• Customize the spice level: If you like a little heat, don’t skip the red pepper flakes. For a milder version, just leave them out—this dish will still pack so much flavor.
• Choose your pasta wisely: Stick to short pasta like fusilli, penne, or macaroni. They cook evenly and soak up the sauce beautifully. If using long pasta, break it in half for easier cooking.
• Stir, stir, stir: You’ll want to keep stirring the pasta every few minutes as it simmers. This prevents sticking and ensures every piece gets coated with that creamy, tomato-rich sauce.
• Add fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil right before serving elevates the dish and adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.

FAQs About One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Got some burning questions? Let’s tackle them here:

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork will work just as well. Each brings its own unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No worries! You can substitute with whole milk or even plain Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. Just note the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of extra broth or cream to revive the sauce.

Can I freeze this?

I don’t recommend freezing this dish because the cream and pasta don’t reheat well from frozen—they tend to separate and get mushy.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Make This Happen!

If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as tasty as it is easy, this one pot creamy tomato pasta needs to be on your weekly rotation. It’s rich, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, you won’t be stuck washing a mountain of dishes afterward—win, win!

Make sure to give this a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I’d love to see your creations, so feel free to tag KitchenShortcuts.net on social media! And if you’re craving more, check out my other one pot meals or slow cooker recipes for more delicious shortcuts.