If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Tender pasta cooks directly in a rich tomato and cream sauce with perfectly seasoned ground beef, creating a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. Ready in about 40 minutes, this easy one-pot pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavor.
- Ready in about 40 minutes.
- Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly.
- Loaded with tender pasta and seasoned beef.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼–½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Pasta
- Olive oil, as needed
- 1 medium white onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely diced
- 1 pound (500 g) lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2½ cups warm beef broth
- 2 cups tomato passata
- ¾ cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 10½ ounces (300 g) uncooked conchiglie pasta
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned.
- Stir in the seasoning mix and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
- Pour in the warm beef broth, tomato passata, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until well combined.
- Add the uncooked pasta and stir to coat evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- If the sauce thickens before the pasta is fully cooked, add small splashes of hot water or beef broth as needed.
- Taste and adjust with additional salt, black pepper, or chili flakes.
- Garnish the One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an even richer finish.
- Conchiglie, penne, rotini, or fusilli all work well.
- Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Allow the heavy cream to come to room temperature before adding it.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra vegetables.
- For a cheesier version, stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar before serving.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Nut-Free
Notes
- Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for the beef.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra heat.
- Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers become even creamier the next day.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
FAQ
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rotini, fusilli, rigatoni, or shells all work well. Cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can I freeze One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?
Add a splash of milk, cream, or beef broth while reheating to loosen the sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or peas are all excellent additions.
Storage
Store leftover One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Similar Recipes
One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ –½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Pasta
- Olive oil as needed
- 1 medium white onion finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves finely diced
- 1 pound 500 g lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2½ cups warm beef broth
- 2 cups tomato passata
- ¾ cup heavy cream room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 10½ ounces 300 g uncooked conchiglie pasta
- Fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish (optional
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned.
- Stir in the seasoning mix and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
- Pour in the warm beef broth, tomato passata, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until well combined.
- Add the uncooked pasta and stir to coat evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- If the sauce thickens before the pasta is fully cooked, add small splashes of hot water or beef broth as needed.
- Taste and adjust with additional salt, black pepper, or chili flakes.
- Garnish the One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for the beef.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra heat.
- Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers become even creamier the next day.
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta is the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. Rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and creamy goodness all come together in one pan for a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing meals for the week, this easy one-pot pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner menu.