One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
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One-potential dinner ideas that don’t take a lot of time in the kitchen yet deliver on flavor are what every busy home cook seeks, and this One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta fits the bill beautifully. Imagine a delightfully creamy sauce clinging to every twist of pasta, with hearty ground beef and tangy tomatoes harmonizing to create a satisfying dish. It’s a comfort meal that brings the family together on a weeknight after a long day, and it’s a cinch to whip up in just one pot! Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will surely become a staple in your weekly rotation.
Why make this recipe
Reasons to try it
This dish stands out for several reasons. First, the simplicity—everything cooks in just one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash and less hassle overall. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends. You can get dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for those hectic evenings.
Additionally, the creamy texture combined with rich tomato flavors and tender pasta is simply irresistible. It’s also budget-friendly, requiring just a handful of ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry. Most importantly, this pasta dish is kid-approved, which means even picky eaters will find it hard to resist!
"This creamy tomato beef pasta has become a family favorite! It’s quick, easy, and just so delicious. I love how it brings everyone together at the dinner table!" — A happy home cook
How to make One pot creamy tomato beef pasta
The cooking process explained
Creating this mouthwatering one-pot pasta dish is straightforward and quick. Start by sautéing the aromatics, followed by browning the beef, and layering in the delicious flavors of tomatoes and herbs. Lastly, add the pasta and cream, allowing them to meld into a creamy, dreamy sauce. It’s a straightforward process that turns into a delightful meal with minimal effort.
What you’ll need
Key ingredients
Here’s everything you need to gather before you start cooking:
- 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 (Note 1)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 400g/14 oz can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (chili flakes, optional)
- 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock/broth (low sodium) (Note 2)
- 350g/12oz fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni (or another short pasta) (Note 3)
- 3/4 cups thickened/heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Ingredient notes
Using low-sodium chicken stock allows you to control the saltiness of your dish. Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. For the pasta, any short variety works wonderfully!
Step-by-step instructions
Directions to follow
Sauté: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant and tender.
Cook beef & seasonings: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue until there’s no red meat visible. Sprinkle in the Italian herbs and let them cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1 additional minute to eliminate the raw flavor.
All in: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Give it a good stir, then throw in your chosen pasta.
Cook for 15 min: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for about 15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally, increasing the frequency as the pasta nears doneness to prevent it from sticking.
Creamy: Add the heavy cream to the pot, simmering for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce should still be quite saucy—this is just right as pasta absorbs the liquid quickly!
Serve: Remove from heat, give everything a thorough stir, and ladle into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving suggestions
This creamy tomato beef pasta is terrific on its own, but here are some fun ways to elevate your meal:
- Serve with a crisp side salad to contrast the creaminess of the pasta.
- Crusty garlic bread is always a hit to soak up extra sauce.
- Pair it with a glass of red wine, like a Chianti, for a delightful dinner experience.
Storage and reheating tips
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store any leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags, which can last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop on low or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it needs loosening up.
Helpful cooking tips
Tricks for success
- Make sure to stir frequently toward the end of the cooking time to prevent sticking.
- Taste the dish before serving; you can adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- For a little extra ‘oomph,’ try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a handful of spinach when tossing in the cream.
Creative twists
Recipe variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based twist.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier rendition or toss in some sautéed bell peppers.
- Cheesy Bloom: Mix in a handful of shredded mozzarella during the last minute of cooking to create a gooey, cheesy texture.
FAQ
Your questions answered
Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?
A: From start to finish, you can expect about 30 minutes to have this delicious dish on your table.
Q: Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, or you could even opt for a plant-based ground beef alternative.
Q: Is there any way to make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy milk combined with a thickener and nutritional yeast for a creamy, dairy-free option.
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta truly has it all – easy cooking, comfort food vibes, and just enough richness to satisfy the whole family. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved addition to your dinner repertoire!
One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant and tender.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue until there’s no red meat visible. Sprinkle in the Italian herbs and let them cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1 additional minute to eliminate the raw flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Give it a good stir, then throw in your chosen pasta.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for about 15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally, increasing the frequency as the pasta nears doneness to prevent it from sticking.
- Add the heavy cream to the pot, simmering for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce should still be quite saucy—this is just right as pasta absorbs the liquid quickly!
- Remove from heat, give everything a thorough stir, and ladle into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
