Quick & Cozy One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Busy Nights

Comfort meets convenience in this creamy beef pasta recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight staple.

Rich, velvety sauce coats tender pasta and juicy ground beef in a delightful one pot culinary experience.

Busy home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together with minimal cleanup.

The combination of hearty beef and smooth, cheesy sauce creates a deeply satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

Robust flavors meld perfectly in just one pan, making this dish both practical and delicious.

Each forkful promises warmth and comfort that transforms an ordinary evening into something special.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again for its simplicity and incredible taste.

One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta: Satisfying Features

• Simplify Cooking: Skip multiple pots and pans with this one-pot wonder that combines delicious beef, pasta, and creamy sauce in a single cooking vessel.
• Customize Flavor Easily: Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes or swap seasonings to match your family's taste preferences without complicated recipe modifications.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Prepare a hearty, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes that delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right in your own kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for picky eaters and hungry families, this pasta dish offers rich, creamy textures and bold flavors everyone will love.

Creamy Beef Pasta Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the pasta dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory base for the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spice blend that adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.

• Beef Broth, Crushed Tomatoes: Provide moisture and create a robust sauce for the pasta.
• Pasta: The core carbohydrate that serves as the main vehicle for the creamy beef sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Ingredients that transform the sauce into a luxurious, creamy texture with a sharp, salty finish.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking in the cooking pot.

Steps to One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a spacious Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Drop in diced onions and minced garlic.

Swirl and stir until they turn soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors, which takes about 4-6 minutes.

Step 2: Brown Meaty Goodness

Tumble ground beef into the pot.

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Crumble the meat using a wooden spoon, allowing it to develop a rich golden-brown color.

Step 3: Create Saucy Base

Stream in beef broth and crushed tomatoes.

Stir everything together until well combined.

Bump up the heat to bring the sauce to a gentle bubbling simmer.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Add pasta and reduce heat to medium.

Cover the pot and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches that ideal al dente texture, typically 9-12 minutes.

Step 5: Transform into Creamy Delight

Pull the pot off the heat.

Swirl in heavy cream and sprinkle half the Parmesan cheese.

Adjust sauce consistency by adding beef broth (if too thick) or simmering briefly (if too thin).

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Immediately serve the creamy beef pasta, crowning it with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Watch the sauce gently thicken as it rests.

Tips for Extra Creamy, Rich Pasta

• Occasional stirring prevents pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking throughout the dish.
• Watch carefully during the 9-12 minute cooking window to achieve perfect al dente pasta without overcooking.
• Gradually add beef broth or simmer longer to reach your ideal sauce thickness without compromising flavor.
• Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes before adding cream to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Let residual heat melt Parmesan cheese for smoother integration and richer taste in the final dish.

Creamy Beef Pasta Variations

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version that maintains the rich, savory flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to create a safe alternative for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free meal.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with fresh cilantro to transform the dish into a zesty southwestern-style pasta.

Serving Creamy Beef Pasta Family Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Place this hearty one-pot pasta in a large rustic serving dish, creating an inviting family-style presentation that encourages sharing and warmth.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra Parmesan and add some fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and enhanced flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complement the rich, creamy texture of the beef pasta and provide a refreshing contrast to the main course.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Hack: Prepare this dish in advance and reheat gently, making it perfect for busy families looking for a delicious, stress-free dinner solution that doesn't compromise on taste.

Storing Creamy Beef Pasta

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to preserve flavor and prevent odor absorption.
• Pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, separating sauce and pasta if possible to maintain optimal texture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until heated through completely.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and season similarly.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. Most kitchens have these basic herbs.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional. Without them, the dish is mild and family-friendly. Add flakes for a subtle kick if desired.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. Swap beef broth for vegetable broth to maintain the recipe’s rich flavor profile.

One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta delivers comfort in a single skillet, blending rich ground beef with silky sauce and tender noodles. Home cooks will savor this quick, satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Protein & Starch:

• 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
• 16 ounces pasta (fusilli, rotini, or similar)

Aromatics & Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid & Dairy Components:

• 1 28-ounce (794 grams) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings & Oils:

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef to the pot, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Crumble the meat thoroughly while cooking until it browns evenly.
3. Stream beef broth and crushed tomatoes into the mixture, blending ingredients completely. Elevate heat to generate a robust simmer.
4. Incorporate pasta, reducing temperature to medium. Cover the pot and allow contents to cook for 9-11 minutes, intermittently stirring to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
5. Extinguish heat source. Whisk heavy cream and half the Parmesan cheese into the mixture, creating a luxurious sauce. Adjust liquid consistency by adding beef broth sparingly if too thick, or continuing gentle heating if too thin.
6. Transfer creamy beef pasta immediately to serving dishes. Garnish with remaining Parmesan cheese, noting the sauce will naturally thicken during cooling moments.

Notes

• Choose a large, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
• Break down ground beef into small, uniform pieces for consistent cooking and better sauce texture.
• Control pasta doneness by frequently checking and stirring to prevent overcooking or sticking.
• Adjust sauce consistency with beef broth or additional cooking time based on your preference for thickness.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich, meaty taste.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra lean ground beef or mixing in additional protein sources.
• Spice tolerance matters, so adjust red pepper flakes to match personal heat preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg