Description

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is a delicious and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich creamy tomato sauce, this dish is simple to make and packed with flavor. The use of a single pot minimizes cleanup while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

8 oz short pasta (like penne or fusilli)

Vegetables and Herbs

1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

Pantry Items

28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 cups water or broth
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (for sautéing)

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Instructions

Sauté Onions: Heat a large pot over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes, which develops a flavorful base for the sauce.
Brown the Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the lean ground beef to the pot. Break it apart using a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, around 5-7 minutes, ensuring even cooking and great texture.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute until the mixture becomes fragrant, enhancing the flavor profile.
Add Tomatoes and Liquid: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with 2 cups of water or broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to combine all the flavors thoroughly before adding pasta.
Cook Pasta: Add the short pasta to the pot, stir to combine, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. This method allows the pasta to absorb the tomato sauce directly.
Finish with Cream and Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, use broth instead of water when cooking the pasta.
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter or lactose-free dish.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to your taste preference.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a bright finish but are optional.
Ensure the pasta is stirred occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American