Name: One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 onion, finely chopped; 500g (1 lb) beef mince / ground beef; 2 tsp Italian herbs (store-bought mix or combination of dried oregano, parsley, basil); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 400g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock/broth, low sodium; 350g (12 oz) fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, or other short pasta; 3/4 cups thickened / heavy cream; Parmesan cheese, finely grated; Parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of rich, savory beef cooked gently in a luscious tomato sauce that has just the right amount of creaminess to make every bite heavenly. What makes it even better is that it’s all made in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as the pasta soaks up all those wonderful sauce juices. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, including a clear glass bowl of raw minced meat in pink-red color at the top left; below it, a white bowl full of uncooked spiral pasta in a golden yellow shade; a clear glass measuring cup with white cream positioned next to the meat; another clear glass measuring cup filled with brown broth below the cream; a whole brown onion with two cloves of garlic beside it; a small clear container with red chili flakes and another with dried green herbs near the onion; a small white bowl of bright red tomato paste and an open can with red tomato contents at the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right ingredients is half the magic of making a fantastic meal, and this recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular. Each element here adds its own personality—whether it’s the robust flavor of beef, the zing of garlic, or the creamy finish from the heavy cream.

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing garlic and onion, adding depth and a fruity note.
Garlic cloves: Finely minced to infuse pungent, aromatic flavor into the sauce.
Onion: Finely chopped to provide sweetness and texture that mellows as it cooks.
Beef mince: The hearty star, lending richness and meaty goodness.
Italian herbs: A fragrant mix that brings classic Italian vibes and earthy undertones.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce.
Crushed tomatoes: Provide a fresh, slightly tangy base for the creamy sauce.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, for just a gentle kick of heat to balance the creaminess.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
Chicken stock: Adds savory depth, making the pasta cook in flavor-rich liquid.
Pasta (short shapes like fusilli or penne): Perfect to soak up the sauce while keeping a nice bite.
Heavy cream: Adds that silky, luxurious texture turning the sauce into pure comfort food.
Parmesan cheese and parsley (optional): For garnish that adds salty brightness and a fresh pop of color.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, heavy-based pot on high heat. Toss in the finely minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking them for about a minute and a half. This quick sauté releases that gorgeous aroma and softens the onions, creating the perfect flavor foundation.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Seasonings

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up into small pieces as you cook. Keep going until there’s no pink left—that’s when you know the beef is nicely browned and packed with flavor. Stir in the Italian herbs, cooking briefly to release their fragrance. Then add the tomato paste and cook it for a minute; this step helps mellow out any raw taste and gives the sauce a rich, deep color.

Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Stock, and Pasta

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes along with chicken stock, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a little spice. Give it a good stir to combine everything smoothly, then add in your pasta. This all-in-one step is what makes this recipe so convenient and delicious— the pasta will absorb all those rich flavors as it cooks.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook Pasta

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Make sure to stir every few minutes, gradually increasing the frequency near the end, so the pasta doesn’t stick to the pot’s base. You’ll notice the pasta absorbing the sauce yet still holding just the right amount of bite—a perfect al dente texture waiting to be finished.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Finish

Lower the heat and stir in the thickened cream, allowing the sauce to turn luxuriously creamy. Let it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes, which will keep the sauce wonderfully saucy and oozy. This cream addition is what really transforms the dish into that irresistible comfort meal you’ve been dreaming about.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove your pot from the heat and give everything a hearty stir to combine. Serve generous bowls topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh, herbaceous finish. This is the moment you get to enjoy all that love and flavor packed into this one-pot wonder!

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

A large white pot filled with tight spiral pasta covered in a thick, reddish-brown sauce mixed with small bits of meat. The pasta is creamy and well coated with sauce, showing some white melted cheese partially stirred in. A wooden spoon lifts a serving of pasta, emphasizing the rich texture of the sauce. The top center of the pasta is sprinkled with a layer of light-colored grated cheese and small green herb pieces for garnish. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a bit of extra Parmesan is always a winner, giving each serving a sharp and salty lift. A scatter of finely chopped parsley adds not only color but also a fresh herbal note that balances the creaminess perfectly. You can also sprinkle a little red pepper flakes on top if you like some heat.

Side Dishes

While the dish itself is satisfying on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables can add a lovely contrast in texture and freshness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are delightful for sopping up any of the creamy tomato sauce that might linger on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe in mini cast iron skillets or rustic bowls—each person gets their own cozy portion that looks as inviting as it tastes. You could also top it with a poached egg for added richness or sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch and surprise texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This creamy and hearty pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture. When you’re ready for round two, just warm it gently to keep that luscious texture intact.

Freezing

Because of the cream component, freezing isn’t recommended for this dish as it can affect the texture once thawed. The sauce may separate or become grainy when reheated from frozen, so it’s best to enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers within a few days.

Reheating

When reheating your One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe, do so gently over low heat on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave. You might want to stir in a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s creamy consistency and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic here, ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative. Just remember these meats cook quicker and can be less flavorful, so you might want to adjust seasonings accordingly.

What pasta shapes work best in this recipe?

Short pastas like fusilli, penne, and elbow macaroni are ideal because they hold onto the creamy tomato sauce beautifully. Long pasta can work if broken into smaller pieces, but very small pastas like orzo are not recommended.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can create a vegetarian version by swapping the beef for hearty mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian while maintaining depth of flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the brand and type you use.

Why does the recipe call for chicken stock instead of water?

Using chicken stock instead of water adds an extra layer of savory flavor that water just can’t provide. It enriches the sauce and ensures every bite is bursting with taste, making the dish feel more polished and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe is the kind of meal that brings everyone together and fills your kitchen with unforgettable aromas. With simple ingredients, one pot, and loads of flavor, it’s a recipe worth making again and again. I truly hope you dive in and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite just as much as I do.