This one-pot ground beef pasta combines savory beef, tender pasta, tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce in one convenient pan. It is a filling family dinner made with familiar ingredients and minimal cleanup.
Because the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, it absorbs the flavors of the seasoned beef, tomatoes, garlic, and broth. Serve it with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a simple weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything cooks in one pot.
- Made with readily available ingredients.
- Rich, savory, and family-friendly.
- Minimal washing up afterward.
- Easy to customize with vegetables.
- Suitable for busy weeknight dinners.
- Leftovers can be stored and reheated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 1 pound lean ground beef.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon paprika.
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 can diced tomatoes, approximately 14.5 ounces.
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth.
- 8 ounces short pasta, such as penne, rotini, or shells.
- ½ cup heavy cream.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Ground Beef
Lean ground beef works well because it provides flavor without leaving too much excess fat. Drain excess grease after browning if necessary.
Ground turkey or ground chicken may also be used, although the flavor and cooking requirements will differ.
Pasta
Use a short pasta shape that fits easily inside the pot. Penne, rotini, shells, and elbow macaroni are all suitable choices.
Different pasta shapes can require different quantities of liquid and cooking times.
Diced Tomatoes
Canned diced tomatoes provide acidity and texture. Crushed tomatoes create a smoother sauce.
Beef Broth
Low-sodium beef broth lets you control the salt level. Chicken broth can be substituted, although it will give the dish a lighter flavor.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream gives the sauce a rich finish. Half-and-half may be used for a lighter sauce, but the consistency can differ.
Cheese
Cheddar provides a sharper flavor, while mozzarella creates a milder, stretchier finish. A combination of both also works well.
How to Make One-Pot Ground Beef Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned with no visible pink remaining.
Drain excessive grease carefully if needed.
The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Step 2: Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent it from burning.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the tomato paste for approximately 1 minute.
Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned pieces from the bottom of the pot.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Add the uncooked pasta and stir until it is mostly covered by the liquid.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot loosely. Cook according to the approximate time required for your chosen pasta, stirring every few minutes.
The pasta should be tender, and most of the liquid should be absorbed. Add a small splash of broth or water if the mixture becomes dry before the pasta finishes cooking.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheese, and parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the dairy, as excessive heat can affect its texture.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the pasta to rest for 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly.
Garnish with chopped parsley and additional parmesan if desired.
Serve while hot.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Pasta
Use a Large Pot
The pasta needs enough room to cook evenly. A deep skillet or Dutch oven helps contain the ingredients.
Drain Excess Grease
If the beef releases a significant amount of grease, remove the excess before adding the other ingredients.
Stir the Pasta Regularly
Pasta cooked directly in sauce can stick to the bottom. Stir it every few minutes, particularly as the liquid reduces.
Adjust the Liquid
Pasta brands and shapes absorb different amounts of liquid. Add broth gradually if the pasta needs more time.
Add Dairy Over Low Heat
Lowering the heat before adding the cream and cheese helps maintain a smoother sauce.
Let the Pasta Rest
A short resting period allows the sauce to thicken and coat the pasta more effectively.
What to Serve With Ground Beef Pasta
Serve this pasta with:
- Garlic bread.
- Roasted broccoli.
- Green beans.
- Garden salad.
- Air fryer garlic parmesan potatoes.
- Roasted zucchini.
- Caesar salad.
- Steamed vegetables.
- Dinner rolls.
- Sautéed spinach.
A salad or green vegetable balances the richness of the beef and cheese sauce.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Ground Beef Pasta
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
Ground Beef and Mushroom Pasta
Cook sliced mushrooms with the onion before adding the garlic.
Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta
Stir fresh baby spinach into the finished pasta until wilted.
Taco-Inspired Beef Pasta
Replace the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning and use cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese.
Ground Turkey Pasta
Replace the beef with ground turkey and cook it thoroughly according to appropriate food-safety guidance.
Pasta Without Heavy Cream
Leave out the cream and add a small amount of extra broth. The sauce will be less rich but still flavorful.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Allow the pasta to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate promptly and use within 3 to 4 days.
Reheat the pasta gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a small splash of broth, milk, or water to loosen the sauce.
Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave. Stir during reheating and ensure leftovers reach 165°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Cook the Pasta Separately?
Yes, but the recipe will no longer be a true one-pot meal. If using cooked pasta, reduce the broth significantly and add the pasta near the end.
Why Is My Pasta Sauce Too Thick?
The pasta may have absorbed more liquid than expected. Add a little warm broth or water and stir until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Why Is My Sauce Too Thin?
Allow the pasta to rest for several minutes. You can also simmer it uncovered briefly, stirring regularly.
Can I Use a Different Pasta Shape?
Yes. Use a short pasta such as shells, rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni. Adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, and peas can all work. Add each vegetable at the appropriate stage so it does not become overcooked.
Can I Freeze Ground Beef Pasta?
You can freeze it, but cooked pasta and dairy sauces may have a softer texture after thawing. Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
Add the following internal links where relevant:
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
- Easy Honey Garlic Chicken.
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes.
- Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese.
Internal-link examples
For another creamy pasta dinner, try our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Serve this beef pasta with Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes or a simple green salad.
If you love cheesy comfort food, try our Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese next.
One-Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe Card
Preparation time: Approximately 10 minutes.
Cooking time: Approximately 25 minutes.
Total time: Approximately 35 minutes.
Servings: Approximately 5–6.
Course: Dinner.
Cuisine: American-inspired.
Cooking method: Stovetop.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 1 pound lean ground beef.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon paprika.
- ½ teaspoon salt.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes.
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth.
- 8 ounces short pasta.
- ½ cup heavy cream.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan.
- Chopped parsley, optional.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven.
- Brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the onion and cook until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook briefly.
- Stir in the tomato paste and seasonings.
- Add the diced tomatoes and broth.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta.
- Simmer gently, stirring regularly, until the pasta is tender.
- Add more broth if the mixture becomes too dry.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the cream and cheese.
- Rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
Test the quantities and timings in your kitchen before publication, especially because different pasta shapes absorb different amounts of liquid.