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One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 10 reviews

A deliciously creamy and hearty one-pot tomato beef pasta that combines ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato sauce with pasta, all cooked together for ease and flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for a quick family dinner.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 500g (1 lb) beef mince (ground beef)
  • 2 tsp Italian herbs
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 400g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (chilli flakes, optional)
  • 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock/broth, low sodium
  • 350g (12 oz) fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni or other short pasta
  • 3/4 cups thickened (heavy) cream

Garnish

  • Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • Parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté: Heat the olive oil on high heat in a large heavy-based pot. Add the finely minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for about 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  2. Cook beef & seasonings: Add the beef mince to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks until no pink remains. Stir in the Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to remove its raw flavor.
  3. All in: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything well then add the pasta directly into the pot.
  4. Cook 15 min: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook the pasta in the sauce for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes initially, and more frequently towards the end to prevent sticking. The pasta should be just cooked when done.
  5. Creamy: Stir in the thickened cream and simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will remain saucy and oozy, perfect as the pasta will continue to absorb the liquid.
  6. Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Give the pasta a good stir and serve immediately in bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for an authentic flavor.
  • Opt for low-sodium chicken stock to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni work best to trap the creamy sauce.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes according to taste.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently; add a splash of cream or stock if the pasta absorbs too much sauce.