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One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

A simple and delicious one pot pasta dish featuring ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a creamy Parmesan finish. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 585

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 85/15 lean ratio works best
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes 1 can
  • 2 cups beef broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 pound pasta penne or rigatoni
  • 1 cup heavy cream room temperature
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated preferred
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot (at least 5-quart)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat a large pot (at least 5-quart capacity) over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until nicely browned with no pink remaining. Don't drain the fat unless there's excessive grease.
  2. Add the diced onion to the browned beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring well to combine. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot, pushing it down so it's mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Stir the pasta every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook until pasta is tender but still has a slight bite, with about 80% of the liquid absorbed.
  5. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves.

Notes

Use penne or rigatoni pasta for best results as they hold the sauce well. Remove from heat before adding cream to prevent curdling. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Not recommended for freezing due to cream content. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of broth if needed.