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One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta
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One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta is a quick and comforting dish that combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce all in one pot. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and fuss-free meal is hearty, rich, and easily customizable with your favorite veggies, cheeses, and proteins, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 8 ounces dry pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)

Aromatics and Fats

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Dairy

  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste or 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef and sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to build a flavorful base.
  2. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in beef broth along with the tomato paste or diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, then add dry pasta directly into the pot. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid for even cooking. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
  3. Simmer until pasta is tender: Reduce heat to low and let the pasta cook in the broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta reaches your preferred tenderness and most of the broth is absorbed.
  4. Stir in cream and cheese: Lower the heat to very low, then add heavy cream or half-and-half along with shredded cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. Add salt, pepper, and any dried herbs to taste.
  5. Serve immediately: Once the sauce has thickened and everything is well combined, remove the pot from heat. Serve this warm, creamy delight straight from the pot for ultimate comfort.

Notes

  • Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne, fusilli, or elbows.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; slightly undercooked pasta finishes perfectly in the creamy sauce.
  • Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking and help the sauce thicken evenly.
  • Adjust the amount of cream to suit your preference for richness.
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top to brighten each serving.
  • Substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based meats for variety or dietary needs.
  • Add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
  • Dairy-free options: use coconut cream and vegan cheese to adapt.
  • Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy beef pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/one-pot-creamy-beef-pasta/