I’ve had more pasta nights than I can count, but this one? It stuck. This one-pot creamy tomato beef pasta delivers a flavor punch that makes you feel like you’re cheating—but you’re not. It’s quick, it’s hearty, and it doesn’t leave your sink looking like a disaster zone. We’re talking perfectly seasoned ground beef, velvety tomato sauce, and noodles that soak up all that savory goodness without falling apart. You don’t need to be a kitchen wizard to make it either. It’s the kind of dinner that pulls you in with its smell alone and has the whole table asking, ‘When are you making this again?’ It’s also forgiving. Got some dried basil? Toss it in. A lonely bell pepper in the fridge? Dice it and throw it in the pot. The only real rule is: don’t skip the cheese at the end. Seriously, that final sprinkle ties the whole thing together. This recipe is the weeknight hero we all need.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
4) How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
5) Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
6) Making One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
8) Try these dinners next!
9) One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This one pot creamy tomato beef pasta is simple and packed with flavor
Great for weeknight dinners and picky eaters
Uses everyday pantry staples and cooks fast
Cheesy, beefy, and perfect with just one pan to clean

2) Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Recipe

This easy one pot creamy tomato beef pasta hits the spot when you’re craving comfort but still want dinner on the table without stress. I’ve made it more times than I can count. It started as a happy accident—I tossed leftover ground beef into a pot with tomatoes, some milk, and pasta, and crossed my fingers. What came out? A creamy, rich, no-fuss pasta dish that felt like a hug in a bowl.

What makes this recipe so irresistible is how little it demands from you. No boiling pasta in one pot, then cooking beef in another. Nope. This is one pot, one spoon, one goal: dinner, fast. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or when you’re just not in the mood to make a mess. And yes, the kids love it too.

The main keyword, easy ground beef and pasta dinner recipes, really does sum it all up. It’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and so easy it feels like cheating—but in a good way. You’ll see. Try it once, and it just might become a regular in your kitchen like it did in mine.

3) Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

Olive Oil: I use just a tablespoon to coat the pot and keep the beef from sticking. It gives the beef a nice brown edge and a smooth start.

Ground Beef: One pound of ground beef brings all the savory depth. You want it browned and crumbled so every bite of pasta gets a taste.

Onion: Dice it fine. The onion melts into the sauce as it simmers and gives the pasta a sweet-savory backbone that holds everything together.

Garlic: Three cloves, minced. That warm, garlicky kick is what makes people pause and say, “What’s in this?!” Trust me, don’t skip it.

Beef Broth: Two cups help cook the pasta while adding that rich beefy flavor. Water works in a pinch, but broth makes a difference.

Milk: It adds creaminess. I’ve used whole milk, but even 2 percent works fine. The combo of milk and tomato is surprisingly smooth and mellow.

Tomato Sauce: One standard can brings in acidity and depth. It thickens up and clings to the noodles just right.

Diced Tomatoes: A can of these makes the dish chunky and fresh. I like to use fire-roasted if I’ve got them on hand—they add a little edge.

Pasta: Use short pasta like penne or rotini. About eight ounces does the job. These shapes hold sauce in their grooves and cook evenly in one pot.

Dried Basil: A teaspoon is plenty. It rounds out the sauce with a little herbal lift that’s subtle but noticeable.

Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. Don’t forget to taste as you go—you want balance, not bland.

Mozzarella Cheese: A cup stirred in at the end makes this extra creamy. It melts into the sauce and pulls everything together like a warm blanket.

Parmesan Cheese: A quarter cup adds sharpness and salt. It’s the final nudge that makes this pasta taste like it came from a cozy corner café.

Parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle of chopped parsley makes the plate look bright and gives a little hint of fresh flavor.

4) How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

Step 1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled. Stir it occasionally so it doesn’t stick, and let it get that golden edge.

Step 2. Add the diced onion. Let it cook for about two to three minutes until it softens and turns a bit translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute. The kitchen should already smell amazing at this point.

Step 3. Pour in the beef broth, milk, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything gently so the mixture looks even. It’ll start to simmer—let it. That’s how the flavors start to come together.

Step 4. Add in the pasta, dried basil, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir again. Bring it all to a soft boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir now and then to keep it from sticking.

Step 5. Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, take it off the heat. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan until everything looks silky and smooth. This is where the magic happens—it all comes together into one creamy, cozy dish.

Step 6. Taste. Add more salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want a little kick. Scoop into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve hot.

5) Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

Let me tell you—I’ve made this enough times to know the small stuff matters. Like pasta shape. Stick with short types. Rotini, penne, or bowties work great. They cook evenly and hold onto the sauce like champs.

Don’t walk away once the pasta’s in the pot. Keep an eye on the simmer. Stir gently but often. That way nothing clumps or sticks. Plus, it keeps the flavor spread out evenly. Burnt pasta on the bottom? Not great. Easy ground beef and pasta dinner recipes work better when you’re nearby.

Lastly, taste as you go. Always. Especially with salt. Your broth and cheese already bring saltiness, so test before you toss in more. And if you’re adding extras like bell peppers or mushrooms, sauté them right after the onion for even cooking.

6) Making One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta Ahead of Time

This dish works well for meal prep. Cook everything through, let it cool a bit, and then pack it into airtight containers. I’ve taken it to work, eaten it straight from the container, and still found it satisfying. And yes, it reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop.

If you’re planning to store it for a couple of days, don’t add the cheese until you reheat it. It keeps the texture creamier and stops it from separating. When you’re ready to eat, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan for that fresh, melty feel.

I like adding a little broth or milk when reheating. Just a splash. It brings the sauce back to life and keeps the pasta from feeling heavy or dry. You’re basically getting a second fresh meal out of something you made ahead. Win-win.

7) Storing Leftover One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

Got leftovers? No problem. Scoop the pasta into airtight containers and store them in the fridge. It’ll stay good for three to four days. And honestly, the flavor deepens a bit with time. The beef and tomato settle in, and it’s even better the next day.

To reheat, I usually go low and slow. Use the microwave on half power or warm it in a pan over low heat. A splash of milk or broth goes a long way here. It loosens the sauce and keeps everything creamy, which is the best part of easy ground beef and pasta dinner recipes like this one.

And yes, you can freeze it. Let the pasta cool, then store it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Reheat gently from frozen or thaw it in the fridge overnight first. It makes a great emergency dinner when life’s too much.

8) Try these dinners next!

9) One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta