If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction, the One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety sauce that clings to every bite—all bubbling together in one pot. This dish is not only easy to whip up but is also irresistibly cheesy and hearty. Whether you’re making dinner for the whole family or just want luscious leftovers, this recipe promises a flavor-packed meal that brings everyone to the table.

One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a million ingredients for the One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe, just the simple, flavorful classics that come together for a magic result. Each item here adds something unique, from robust flavor to creamy richness or a pop of color. Trust me, even the basics have their moment to shine in this one-pot wonder!

1 lb ground beef: The star protein, giving the dish savory depth and satisfying bite.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef and onions for an aromatic, golden base.
1 small yellow onion (diced): Infuses sweetness and subtle texture, a must-have for building flavor.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds robust, zesty undertones you’ll taste in every forkful.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Gives sweetness, color, and a little tang to balance the creaminess.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings that quintessential herb aroma, tying everything together.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just the right kick to make the flavors pop.
3 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that cooks the pasta and melds everything together.
1 cup heavy cream: Delivers unbeatable silky texture and that dreamy, creamy finish.
10 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini): The ideal short shapes that soak up all the sauce—no draining necessary!
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts in for that gooey, cheesy pull everyone loves.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, umami-packed layer to the sauce.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness and color at the end.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Beef and Onion

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat—make sure it’s roomy enough to hold everything. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until it’s brown and crumbly. If you see extra fat, just drain most of it off, leaving a little for flavor. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until those bits are soft and translucent. These foundational flavors set the stage for the entire One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Next, stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll notice the aromatics intensify, and the tomato paste will start to caramelize, unlocking even deeper flavor. This quick step ensures your pasta will be layered with the hearty, herby notes you crave.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then gently stir in the uncooked pasta. Give everything a good mix so the noodles are submerged as much as possible. Now, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. This is where the magic happens—your pasta will absorb all those flavors while cooking right in the sauce!

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Let the pot simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. The pasta should become perfectly tender and most of the liquid will be absorbed, leaving you with a luscious, creamy consistency. If needed, add a splash more broth to keep everything silky. Taste and adjust seasoning if you like—this is your moment to make it truly yours!

Step 5: Get Cheesy and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until everything melts and mingles into a beautiful, creamy finish. Top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve the One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe hot and bubbly, straight from the pot!

How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish can go a long way! Chopped fresh parsley adds brightness and a subtle herbal lift to the richness of this dish. For a gourmet touch, you can also use a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a crack of black pepper. If you want extra heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders, too.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette, or classic garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or buttery green beans add an unbeatable crunch and balance to the meal, proving that simple sides can take the One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe to new heights of comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the pasta in individual bowls topped with a dramatic swirl of cream and a sprinkle of bright parsley. For family-style dining, bring the whole pot right to the table—there’s something heartwarming about letting everyone dig in together. You can even top servings with a fried or poached egg for a fun brunch twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge! Simply transfer the cooled One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

While creamy pastas don’t always freeze perfectly due to changes in texture, you certainly can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place your leftovers in a pot set over low heat and add a splash of milk or broth to restore that signature creaminess. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them loosely and stopping to stir once or twice to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne or rotini are perfect for soaking up the sauce, feel free to use shells, fusilli, or even elbows if that’s what you have on hand. Adjust the simmering time as needed since some shapes cook faster than others.

Can I substitute the beef with another protein?

Yes, the One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is super flexible. Try it with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a fun twist. For a vegetarian option, swap in plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms.

How can I add more vegetables?

Easy! Toss in a few handfuls of baby spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms when sautéing the onions. These blend right into the sauce and add a nutritional boost without much fuss.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk in a pinch, though the sauce will be a bit lighter. Want to keep it dairy-free? Use unsweetened coconut milk or your favorite plant-based alternative for a satisfying creamy effect.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a bigger pot to fit all the ingredients, and keep a close eye on the liquid. You may need to add a touch more broth to ensure both the pasta and flavors are spot on throughout the larger batch.

Final Thoughts

Give this One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe a whirl, and I promise it’ll find a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s comfort, convenience, and classic flavor all tucked into a cozy bowl. Can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!

One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this comforting and creamy one-pot beef pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner. Tender pasta cooked in a rich and cheesy sauce with seasoned ground beef, this recipe is a surefire winner!

Ingredients

Ground Beef:

1 lb

Olive Oil:

1 tablespoon

Yellow Onion (diced):

1 small

Garlic (minced):

3 cloves

Tomato Paste:

2 tablespoons

Italian Seasoning:

1 teaspoon

Paprika:

1/2 teaspoon

Salt:

1/2 teaspoon

Black Pepper:

1/4 teaspoon

Beef Broth:

3 cups

Heavy Cream:

1 cup

Uncooked Pasta (penne or rotini):

10 oz

Cheddar Cheese (shredded):

1 cup

Parmesan Cheese (grated):

1/2 cup

Parsley (chopped for garnish, optional):

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Instructions

Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Onion: Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Season: Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then stir in the uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes.
Melt Cheeses: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.