Description
This one pot creamy tomato beef pasta is an easy and comforting meal that combines ground beef with a rich tomato and cream sauce, cooked together with pasta for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500g (1 lb) beef mince / ground beef
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tsp Italian herbs
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 400g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Liquids and Pasta
- 4 cups (1 L) low sodium chicken stock / broth
- 350g (12 oz) fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni or other short pasta
- 3/4 cups thickened / heavy cream
To Serve
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, cooking and stirring for 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Cook beef & seasonings: Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until the meat is no longer pink. Sprinkle in the Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 1 minute to remove the raw flavor of the paste.
- Combine ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir the mixture well, then add the pasta directly into the pot, submerging it in the liquid.
- Cook pasta: Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking, increasing stirring frequency towards the end. Cook until the pasta is just tender but still slightly firm to bite.
- Add cream and finish: Stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will remain quite saucy and will thicken slightly as it sits, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavorful liquid.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat, give the pasta a good stir, then ladle into serving bowls. Top each serving with finely grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use Italian herbs for authentic flavor, or substitute with a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Low sodium chicken stock is recommended to control salt levels, but regular stock can be used if preferred.
- Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni work best to hold the sauce.
- Stirring frequently while cooking pasta prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- The sauce should remain saucy and creamy rather than thick and dry for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
