One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

This one-pot creamy beef pasta has become my weeknight lifesaver when I need to feed my family quickly without sacrificing flavor. The rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef all cook together, creating fewer dishes and maximum taste in every bite.

I first made this dish when I had unexpected dinner guests and needed something substantial fast. Now it's requested at least twice a month in our house, especially during those busy weeks when time is in short supply but appetites are not.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base; choose 90% lean for flavor without excess grease
• Onion and garlic: Create the aromatic foundation that flavors the entire dish
• Italian seasoning: Blend saves time while delivering multiple herb flavors in one addition
• Crushed tomatoes: San Marzano variety recommended for their sweet flavor and fewer seeds
• Beef broth: Adds depth and helps cook the pasta directly in the sauce
• Heavy cream: Transforms the tomato sauce into something luxuriously rich
• Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty notes and helps thicken the final sauce
• Pasta: Short shapes like fusilli or rotini best capture the meaty sauce in their crevices

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:

Cook onion and garlic in olive oil until softened and fragrant, about 4-6 minutes over medium-high heat. This creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish, so take your time to develop sweet notes in the onions.

Brown The Beef:

Add ground beef to the pot with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Break the meat into small pieces while cooking to ensure even distribution throughout the pasta later. The meat should be fully browned with no pink remaining.

Create The Sauce Base:

Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits contain concentrated flavor that enriches your sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Cook The Pasta:

Add dry pasta directly to the simmering sauce, reduce heat to medium, and cover. Cook for 9-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid while cooking to al dente perfection.

Finish With Creaminess:

Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and half the Parmesan cheese. This transforms the tomato sauce into a silky, rich coating for the pasta. Adjust consistency if needed by adding more broth or reducing further.

Serve And Garnish:

Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools, coating each piece of pasta beautifully.

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Italian seasoning is my secret weapon in this recipe. The blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary infuses the sauce with layers of flavor that would otherwise require multiple herb additions. My daughter always comments that the kitchen smells like her favorite Italian restaurant whenever I make this dish.

Customization Options

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Replace ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for different flavor profiles. Each variation brings its own character to the dish while maintaining the comforting essence of the original.

For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half and half or even cream cheese thinned with a splash of milk. The sauce won't be quite as rich but will still deliver that satisfying creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting.

Add vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach at different stages of cooking to increase nutrition without compromising the dish's appeal. Bell peppers can go in with the onions, mushrooms after the meat is browned, and spinach stirred in just before serving.

Make-Ahead And Storage Tips

This pasta reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making next-day servings particularly delicious.

If freezing, slightly undercook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for quick lunches. Add a tablespoon of water before covering to help restore moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks and ensure there's enough liquid to allow even cooking.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat as an alternative to ground beef.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Fusilli, rotini, or similar short pastas are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well.

→ Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the pasta with a gluten-free option and ensure the other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce.