Name: One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 3 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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This One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender ground beef, rich tomato flavor, and a velvety cream sauce all simmered together with pasta in one pot, cleanup is a breeze and the flavor is unbeatable.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. I only need one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner. The creamy sauce hugs each piece of pasta, and the ground beef adds a savory depth that makes this feel hearty and indulgent. It’s the kind of meal I reach for when I want something fast, filling, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Tomato paste
Diced tomatoes
Beef broth
Heavy cream
Pasta (like penne or rotini)
Italian seasoning
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Once the beef is nearly cooked, I toss in chopped onion and garlic and cook until the onion softens.
I stir in the tomato paste and cook it for a minute to deepen its flavor before adding diced tomatoes and beef broth.
I add the pasta straight into the pot along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is tender.
I stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer a few more minutes until everything is creamy and well combined.
If I want a little extra richness, I sprinkle in some Parmesan just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people generously.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
If I’m craving spice, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
For extra veggies, I stir in spinach or frozen peas near the end of cooking.
I use different pasta shapes depending on what I have — shells, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni all work great.
A splash of white wine added with the tomatoes gives the sauce a bit of depth.

storage/reheating

I let any leftovers cool before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I usually add a splash of milk or broth and warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently. The microwave also works — I reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s heated through. One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best for this dish?

I like using short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli because they hold the sauce well, but any kind of short pasta will do.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes make it a day ahead. The flavors meld nicely overnight, and I just reheat it with a little cream or broth before serving.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but I find the texture of the cream sauce changes slightly. If I freeze it, I make sure to reheat it gently and stir well to bring the sauce back together.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. I recommend using whole milk and maybe adding a bit of cream cheese to help thicken the sauce.

How can I make it more flavorful?

I sometimes add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard when cooking the beef. Fresh basil or chopped parsley on top also adds a nice touch.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta has become a regular in my weekly rotation because it’s fast, delicious, and so easy to customize. It’s a cozy, fuss-free meal that I can throw together with pantry staples and a little time — and the creamy, savory results speak for themselves.