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One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta.

One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

iamwinfred
This One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta is a weeknight dinner hero that delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal cleanup. Everything cooks together in one pot, including the pasta, which absorbs the savory beef and creamy tomato sauce as it simmers. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe combines ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a luscious cheese-enriched sauce that the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot At least 5-quart capacity
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater If using block cheese
  • Ladle For serving

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 1 pound ground beef 450g, 80-85% lean works best
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 15ml
  • 1 medium onion about 1 cup or 150g, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 5ml
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika 2.5ml
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste 30g
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 14.5 oz or 411g
  • 3 1/2 cups chicken broth 830ml, or beef broth
  • 2 cups pasta shells or rotini 8 oz or 225g, uncooked
  • 1 cup heavy cream 240ml
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese 115g, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese 50g, grated
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, break it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  • Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the beef mixture. Stir well and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute to toast the spices.
  • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until darkened and fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add uncooked pasta and stir to submerge all pieces in the liquid, then reduce heat to medium.
  • Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
  • Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream until incorporated. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth, then let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use 80-85% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture. Leaner beef may result in a drier dish.
  • Stir the pasta every 2-3 minutes while cooking to prevent sticking, especially in the last few minutes when starch is released.
  • Add the cream off the heat to prevent it from separating or curdling.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a smoother, creamier sauce.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or extra broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
  • For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or reduce the cheese by half.
  • Make it spicier by doubling the red pepper flakes or adding diced jalapeños with the onions.
  • Add 2 cups of fresh spinach after adding the cream for extra nutrition without altering the flavor.
  • Freezing is possible but not ideal as cream-based sauces can separate. If freezing, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, whisking to recombine.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 35gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 18mg
Keyword 30 minute meal, creamy beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef recipe, one pot pasta
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