One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

Craving a cozy, hearty dinner that doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes? This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is your weeknight hero!

It’s luxuriously creamy, loaded with savory ground beef, and brimming with robust tomato flavor—plus, everything cooks together in a single pot for maximum ease. Each bite is rich, cheesy, and perfectly comforting, making it impossible to resist another forkful.

You’ll love how it comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a little pasta pick-me-up. This is comfort food at its absolute best—a recipe I make whenever I want something filling, flavorful, and fuss-free.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• One-pot magic means less cleanup and more flavor in every bite.
• Rich, creamy sauce hugs every piece of pasta—pure comfort food bliss!
• Ready in just over half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing—expect rave reviews at the table!

Key Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Beef

The ground beef gives this pasta its hearty, satisfying base. It browns up beautifully and adds loads of savory depth to the sauce. Choose 80 to 85 percent lean beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken will also work—just note the flavor will be a bit lighter.

Crushed Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes are the backbone of the creamy sauce, bringing tangy richness and a touch of sweetness. Opt for a good-quality canned variety for best results. Want a chunkier texture? Diced tomatoes are a great substitute.

Pasta

Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini are best—they hold onto the creamy sauce and cook evenly in the pot. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be swapped in; just keep an eye on the cook time and adjust as needed.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is what makes the sauce lusciously smooth and decadent. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, although the sauce will be slightly less rich. Dairy-free? Try full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened oat creamer.

Italian Cheese Blend

A handful of shredded Italian cheese (like mozzarella and parmesan) melts into the sauce, adding that irresistible, gooey finish. Feel free to use just mozzarella, cheddar, or even a vegan cheese alternative if you’re dairy-free.

Instructions for One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, breaking up the beef with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Build the Tomato Base

Add tomato paste to the beef mixture and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until it deepens in color. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta straight into the pot. Stir well, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Keep an eye on it—if the pasta looks too dry, add a splash more broth.

Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes velvety and creamy. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil. Serve hot, straight from the pot. Enjoy every cozy, creamy bite!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Love a little heat? Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste with the tomato paste for a bold, spicy kick.

Veggie-Loaded Version

Add a few handfuls of baby spinach, chopped zucchini, or roasted red peppers when you add the pasta. The veggies will cook down and blend right into the creamy sauce.

Swap the Protein

Try ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile. Plant-based crumbles can make this totally vegetarian, too!

Dairy-Free & Vegan

Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or your favorite unsweetened plant-based creamer. Use a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for creaminess.

Gluten-Free

Substitute your favorite gluten-free short pasta for a dish that's safe for all eaters. Be sure to check the cook time on your pasta, as it may vary slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this one pot creamy tomato beef pasta with a simple green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette and warm garlic bread or breadsticks for the ultimate comfort meal. Garnish each bowl with extra parmesan, cracked black pepper, and more fresh basil for a finishing touch that makes it feel truly special.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of beef broth, water, or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. This pasta also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Short shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or shells all work well. Just adjust the cook time as needed.

Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: No worries! Half-and-half, whole milk, or a splash of cream cheese mixed with milk can substitute. The sauce may be a bit less rich, but still delicious.

Q: Do I need to drain the beef after browning?
A: If there’s a lot of grease, you can spoon off excess fat before adding the tomato paste. If using lean beef, this may not be necessary.

Thank you for joining me in the kitchen for this cozy one pot creamy tomato beef pasta adventure! It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and makes dinner a breeze. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out—please leave a comment or rating below!