Description
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, it’s an easy-to-make dish that delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Pasta
- 8 oz short pasta (like penne or fusilli)
Sauce Ingredients
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare onions: Heat a large pot over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to develop a flavorful base.
- Cook ground beef: Increase heat slightly and add the lean ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until browned and no longer pink, around 5-7 minutes.
- Add aromatics and seasoning: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant, enhancing the sauce flavor.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with 2 cups of water or broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to incorporate flavors.
- Cook pasta: Add the short pasta into the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked al dente, absorbing the sauce as it cooks.
- Finish sauce: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can substitute water with vegetable or chicken broth for enhanced flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you prefer a gluten-free version.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your preference.
- For a lighter dish, consider using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
