Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s cozy, flavorful, and super simple, let me introduce you to my Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love this recipe because it combines tender ground beef with a rich, dreamy tomato cream sauce, all cooked in one pot – which means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re feeding the family or just craving some comfort food yourself, you’ll find this dish hits all the right notes every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe come together in a way that’s both hearty and comforting. I always keep some basic pantry staples like tomato paste and Italian herbs on hand since they really pull the sauce together nicely.

• Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs the best punch – I find jarred garlic just doesn’t compare.
• Onion: I use yellow onion for its natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Beef mince (ground beef): Pick lean or regular, just make sure it’s fresh and good quality to get the best flavor.
• Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, thyme – I usually use dried, but fresh herbs work well too.
• Tomato paste: This is a secret ingredient that amps up the depth of the sauce.
• Crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes or passata – I prefer crushed for texture.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat; omit if you want to keep it kid-friendly.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning; kosher salt works best for even seasoning.
• Chicken stock (broth): Low sodium stock lets you control saltiness – plus, it keeps the sauce flavorful.
• Short pasta: Fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni all work great as they hold the sauce well.
• Heavy cream: This is what makes the dish luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated adds sharpness and a nice salty kick at the end.
• Parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant touch when serving.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe is — you can tweak it to fit what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to customize it; that’s part of the fun!

• Swap the beef: I’ve tried ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, and it works well—just adjust seasoning as needed for flavor.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms and add some extra Italian herbs to keep that savory depth.
• Spice it up: If you want more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce — I discovered this trick when hosting game night, and it was a hit!
• Use gluten-free pasta: For those avoiding gluten, just swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety; the cooking time might vary slightly.
• Cheese variations: Try adding a sprinkle of mozzarella for gooey goodness or swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Heat things up and sauté aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-based pot on high heat. Once hot, toss in your finely minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook them for about 1 1/2 minutes until they’re fragrant and just starting to soften — this step lifts the flavor base and I love the smell that fills my kitchen!

Step 2: Brown the beef and season it

Next, add your beef mince to the pot. Break it up with your spoon or spatula as it cooks; you want to see no pink left. Once browned, sprinkle in the Italian herbs and let them cook for 30 seconds to release their aroma. Then stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 full minute — this step is crucial to get rid of that raw tomato taste and deepen the sauce.

Step 3: Combine sauce ingredients and pasta

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the chicken stock, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give everything a good stir to combine, then add your short pasta directly into the pot. This is where the magic of one-pot cooking shines — the pasta will cook right in the sauce and absorb all the flavors.

Step 4: Simmer your pasta to tender perfection

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then let it cook for around 15 minutes. Be sure to stir every couple of minutes at first and more frequently toward the end — this keeps the pasta from sticking to the bottom, which is something I learned the hard way early on! The pasta should be just about cooked but still has a slight bite.

Step 5: Finish with cream and serve

Finally, stir in the thickened cream and simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will look quite saucy and glossy — that’s exactly what you want. The pasta will keep soaking up the liquid, so it stays comforting and luscious when you serve it. Remove from heat, give it a good stir, then ladle into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if you like.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top with a light scattering of chopped flat-leaf parsley — it adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil or a few fresh basil leaves work well too.

Side Dishes

Because this pasta is so hearty, I like pairing it with something crisp and green like a simple mixed leaf salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed in butter. Garlic bread also makes a perfect comforting side that’s great for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese, then broiled until bubbly and golden — turning it into an indulgent pasta bake experience right at the table. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating, which helps maintain flavor and texture.

Freezing

It freezes well too, though I recommend freezing before adding the cream for best texture after reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add cream fresh when reheating to keep it silky smooth.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce thickens too much, splash in a little water or stock to loosen it up. Add cream last, stirring until warmed through. This way it tastes just as fresh the next day.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe truly feels like a hug in a bowl for me — it’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for when life gets busy but you still want something homemade. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes one of your go-to dinners to share with the people you love. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out — I’m betting it’ll be a new favorite in your recipe collection!

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