If you’re looking for a dish that combines rich flavors with hearty comfort, this **Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta** is your new go-to weeknight meal! With a savory blend of ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a luscious tomato-based sauce, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Magic: No need to juggle multiple pans, making cleanup a breeze.
- Comfort and Richness: The combination of beef and creamy tomato sauce offers a comforting flavor punch.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with various herbs and spices to fit your mood.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether a simple family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish fits right in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this **Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta** is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that velvety texture and rich aroma, so let’s dive into what you’ll need for this delicious dish.
- Olive Oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing and enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics that bring depth to the sauce.
- Ground Beef: Adds protein and a hearty texture that’s perfect with pasta.
- Italian Herbs: Infuses the dish with Mediterranean flair; feel free to mix your favorite dry herbs!
- Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes: The cornerstone of the sauce, offering both richness and tanginess.
- Chicken Stock: Enhances the sauce with a subtle umami note, making the pasta saucy and delicious.
- Short Pasta: Choose any short pasta like fusilli or penne that can hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Heavy Cream: Brings that luxurious, creamy finish to the sauce.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this **Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta** recipe. It’s highly adaptable, so you can adjust it to meet your family’s taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Vegetable Boost: Add some spinach or bell peppers to the mix for extra nutrients and vibrant colors.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes for a fiery twist that pairs perfectly with the creamy goodness.
- Protein Swap: Want a change from beef? Ground turkey or chicken can easily step in!
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a lactose-friendly version.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
Step 1: Begin with Aromatics
Heat olive oil over high heat in a large pot. Sauté the finely minced garlic and onion until they’re soft and fragrant. This step sets a flavorful base for the dish that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Seasonings
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and there are no pink bits. Stir in the Italian herbs and tomato paste, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well. Add the pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This perfectly infuses the pasta with flavor.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the sauce reaches that desired creamy consistency.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Stir frequently during the last few minutes to prevent sticking and to ensure evenly cooked pasta.
- Balancing Acidity: If the tomato sauce is too tangy, a pinch of sugar can balance the flavors beautifully.
- Cream Control: For an even creamier texture, add slightly more heavy cream according to your preference.
- Herb Boost: Fresh basil or parsley added at the end gives the dish a delightful freshness!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle generously with finely grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped parsley. These add a burst of flavor and color to your dish, making it as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. A side of garlic bread is also perfect for sopping up the creamy, delicious sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in shallow bowls, and for an elegant touch, create a pasta nest by swirling a serving with tongs before placing it in the bowl. A small drizzle of olive oil over the top can add a glossy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious!
Freezing
While freezing creamy dishes can alter the texture slightly, this dish holds up relatively well. Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to a month.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat. If needed, add a splash of cream or chicken stock to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fusilli or penne is recommended, feel free to use any short pasta variety you have on hand. Just ensure it has enough surface area to hold the sauce.
-
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based proteins or simply add more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini to make it vegetarian.
-
Can I make this dish spicier?
For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust to your spice tolerance for the perfect kick.
-
What’s the best way to store leftover pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, ensuring they are cooled properly before sealing for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
Unveil the magic of a weeknight meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor! This **Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta** doesn’t just fill the belly—it warms the heart. Share it with your loved ones and transform a regular evening into a delightful dining experience. Enjoy every bite!
Print
One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 servings
- Category: Pasta, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This one-pot creamy tomato beef pasta combines tender ground beef, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety tomato-cream sauce for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal cleanup while delivering bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Oil & Aromatics
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
Meat & Seasonings
- 500 g (1 lb) beef mince / ground beef
- 2 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Tomato & Broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 400 g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
- 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock/broth, low sodium
Pasta & Cream
- 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni or similar)
- 3/4 cups thickened / heavy cream
Optional Garnishes
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Parsley, finely chopped, optional
Instructions
- Sauté – Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion and cook for 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Cook beef & seasonings – Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue until no pink remains. Stir in Italian herbs, cook for 30 seconds, then add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.
- All in – Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well, then add the pasta, ensuring it’s submerged.
- Cook 15 min – Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium, cover partially, and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and ensuring the pasta cooks evenly.
- Creamy – Stir in the heavy cream and let simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce finishes thickening slightly but remains saucy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve – Remove from heat. Give the pasta a good stir, then ladle into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Italian Herbs – Use a store-bought Italian herb mix or substitute with dried oregano, basil, and parsley. Alternatively, Worcestershire sauce can add a savory boost.
- Chicken stock/broth – Enhances flavor over water. Budget-friendly options include stock powders like Vegeta or Knorr.
- Type of Pasta – Short pasta works best, but long pasta can be broken in half. Use approximately 400g or more if using long pasta.
- Leftovers – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Not suitable for freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
