Delicious One Pot Pasta Ground Beef recipe: Your New Weeknight Hero!

Hello, friends! Sarah here, straight from my cozy kitchen just outside Asheville. If your evenings sometimes feel like a race against the clock, you know that feeling: the hunger pangs start, and the thought of a complex meal feels overwhelming. That’s exactly why I’m so thrilled to share this one pot pasta ground beef recipe with you. It’s a true weeknight savior that comes together in about 30 minutes, proving that delicious, comforting meals don’t need to be complicated.

Why This One Pot Pasta Ground Beef Recipe is a Weeknight Game-Changer

I know you’re going to adore this one pot pasta ground beef dish for so many reasons! It’s designed to make your life easier and your dinner table happier. If you’re looking for another lightning-fast dinner, try our 30-minute bang bang chicken.

• Effortless Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning significantly less cleanup for you. More time enjoying your meal, less time scrubbing pans!
• Lightning Fast: From start to finish, this recipe is ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for even the busiest weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: Don’t let the ease fool you – this dish is bursting with savory, herby goodness that the whole family will love.
• Minimal Fuss: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll feel confident creating this delicious meal, even if you’re new to cooking.

Sarah

Ultimate One Pot Pasta Ground Beef Recipe

One pot pasta ground beef recipe ready in 30 minutes, all in a single pot for minimal cleanup and big flavor. Family-friendly comfort made easy—try it tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian, Western

Calories: 610

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic finely minced
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 500 g beef mince / ground beef
• 2 tsp Italian herbs This blend usually includes oregano, basil, and thyme
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 400 g can crushed tomatoes or tomato passata for a smoother sauce
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional, if you like a little warmth!
• 1.5 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt adjust to your taste
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups chicken stock/broth low sodium. Using broth adds so much more flavor than water alone!
• 350 g fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni (or other short pasta) Choose shapes that hold sauce well and cook evenly
• 0.75 cup thickened / heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese finely grated, for serving
• Fresh parsley finely chopped, optional, for a pop of color and freshness

Equipment

• Large, heavy-based pot

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in your favorite large, heavy-based pot. Once it shimmers, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté them for about 1 1/2 minutes until they’re fragrant and just starting to soften.
2. Add your ground beef to the pot. Cook it, breaking it up with your spoon as you go, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains. Stir in the Italian herbs and cook for about 30 seconds until they release their wonderful aroma. Next, add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, the chicken stock, salt, pepper, and those optional red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir to combine all those lovely flavors. Then, add your chosen pasta right into the pot.
4. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain that simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes, and more frequently towards the end, to make sure no pasta sticks to the bottom of the pot. You’re aiming for the pasta to be just about perfectly al dente – tender but with a slight bite.
5. Once the pasta is nearly done, pour in the heavy cream. Stir it gently and let it simmer for just another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will seem quite liquidy at this stage, and that’s exactly what you want!
6. Remove the pot from the heat. Give everything a final, good stir. Ladle your delicious creation into bowls. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if you like. Serve immediately and savor every comforting bite!

Ingredients for Your One Pot Pasta Delight

Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step in creating this wonderful one pot pasta ground beef! I’ve tried to keep the list simple, using things you might already have on hand.

• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (a little goes a long way for that warm flavor!)
• 1 onion, finely chopped (yellow or white works beautifully)
• 500g / 1 lb beef mince / ground beef (choose your preferred fat content)
• 2 tsp Italian herbs (Note 1: This blend usually includes oregano, basil, and thyme – a perfect shortcut to deliciousness!)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (for that rich, concentrated tomato depth)
• 400g / 14 oz can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata for a smoother sauce)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (chilli flakes, optional, if you like a little warmth!)
• 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt (adjust to your taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock/broth, low sodium (Note 2: Using broth adds so much more flavor than water alone!)
• 350g / 12oz fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni (or other short pasta (Note 3: Choose shapes that hold sauce well and cook evenly))
• 3/4 cup thickened / heavy cream (for that luscious, creamy finish)
• Parmesan cheese, finely grated (for serving – don’t skip this!)
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for a pop of color and freshness)

Step-by-Step Magic: Crafting Your One Pot Pasta Ground Beef Recipe

Alright, let’s dive into the heart of it! Making this one pot pasta ground beef is where the real magic happens, and I promise it’s simpler than you think. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a bubbling pot of deliciousness. If creamy pasta nights are your thing, you might also enjoy lemon garlic chicken pasta.

1. Sauté Aromatics: Grab your favorite large, heavy-based pot. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté them for about 1 1/2 minutes until they’re fragrant and just starting to soften. That amazing smell is your first clue this is going to be good!
2. Brown the Beef & Bloom Spices: Add your ground beef to the pot. Cook it, breaking it up with your spoon as you go, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains. Now, stir in the Italian herbs and cook for about 30 seconds until they release their wonderful aroma. Next, add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This step helps deepen the tomato flavor and remove any raw taste.
3. The “All In” Moment: Time to bring everything else together! Pour in the crushed tomatoes, the chicken stock, salt, pepper, and those optional red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give it a good stir to combine all those lovely flavors. Then, add your chosen pasta right into the pot.
4. Simmer & Stir (The Crucial Part!): Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain that simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. This is where you’ll need to give it a good stir every couple of minutes. As the liquid reduces and the pasta cooks, you’ll want to stir more frequently, especially towards the end, to make sure no pasta sticks to the bottom of the pot. You’re aiming for the pasta to be just about perfectly al dente – tender but with a slight bite.
5. Get Creamy: Once the pasta is nearly done, pour in the heavy cream. Stir it gently and let it simmer for just another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will seem quite liquidy at this stage, and that’s exactly what you want! Pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so this ensures your one pot pasta ground beef will be wonderfully saucy and not dry when you serve it.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Remove the pot from the heat. Give everything a final, good stir. Ladle your delicious creation into bowls. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if you like. Serve immediately and savor every comforting bite!

Mastering the One Pot Pasta: Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time

One-pot pasta dishes are fantastic, but sometimes they can be a little tricky. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Here are my best tips to ensure your one pot pasta ground beef turns out perfectly every single time.

• Pasta Shape Matters: For one-pot meals, short, sturdy pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni are your best friends. They cook evenly and hold onto that delicious sauce beautifully. Avoid long, thin pastas like spaghetti, as they can clump together and cook unevenly in this method.
• The Right Liquid Ratio is Key: The amount of liquid is crucial for cooking the pasta perfectly. Too little, and it might be undercooked; too much, and the sauce could be watery. The recipe calls for 4 cups of broth, which is generally a great starting point. If after 15 minutes your pasta is still quite firm and the liquid is almost gone, you can add a splash more broth or water to help it finish cooking.
• Stir, Stir, Stir! This is probably the most important tip. As the pasta cooks and the sauce thickens, it can easily stick to the bottom of the pot. Regular stirring, especially in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking, prevents sticking and ensures the pasta cooks evenly. Don’t be shy about giving it a good swirl every minute or so as it nears completion.
• Embrace “Saucy”: Remember step 5? When you add the cream, the sauce will look quite thin. Resist the urge to overcook it trying to thicken it up too much. The pasta will absorb more liquid as it rests off the heat, and you want that lovely, saucy consistency when you serve. If, by chance, your sauce is too thick after resting, a tiny splash of hot water or extra broth can loosen it right up.
• Undercooked Pasta? If your pasta isn’t quite tender enough after the initial 15 minutes and the sauce seems a bit too thick, simply add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of hot broth or water and continue simmering, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired tenderness.
• Mushy Pasta Woes? This usually happens from overcooking or too much liquid. To avoid it, keep a close eye on the pasta during the last few minutes of simmering. Aim for that perfect al dente texture. If you accidentally overcook it, try not to stir too vigorously, as it can break down further.

Elevating Your One Pot Pasta Ground Beef Recipe: Customization & Flavor Boosts

This one pot pasta ground beef recipe is wonderfully delicious as is, but it’s also a fantastic canvas for your creativity! I love adding a little something extra now and then to change things up.

• Veggie Power: Sneaking in some vegetables is so easy here. Finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers (any color!), or zucchini can be sautéed with the onions and garlic at the beginning. For greens like spinach or kale, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking; they’ll wilt down beautifully. Frozen peas are also a great addition – just toss them in when you add the cream.
• A Splash of Red Wine: Before adding the crushed tomatoes and broth, deglaze the pot with about 1/4 cup of dry red wine after cooking the tomato paste. Let it bubble and reduce for a minute or two. This adds an incredible depth of flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
• Spice It Up (or Down!): Beyond the red pepper flakes, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness, or a dash of dried oregano for an extra Italian flair. A tiny pinch of nutmeg can surprisingly enhance the creaminess.
• Umami Boost: Want to make it even richer? Stir in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce along with the crushed tomatoes, or even a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory note (great if you’re reducing dairy!).
• Different Meats: Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage (casings removed) work wonderfully in place of the beef. Adjust seasonings as needed, especially if using sausage, as it often contains its own salt and spices.

Ingredient Deep Dive: Making Smart Choices

Let’s chat a bit more about some of the key players in our one pot pasta ground beef dish. Understanding why these ingredients work together can help you feel even more confident in the kitchen!

• The Humble Onion & Garlic: These aromatics are the foundation of so many incredible dishes. Sautéing them first doesn’t just add flavor; it mellows their raw bite, releasing sweet, complex notes that infuse the entire pot. Don’t skimp on this step!
• Broth vs. Water: While water would technically cook the pasta, using chicken broth (or even beef broth!) adds a layer of savory depth that water simply can’t. It enriches the overall flavor profile of the sauce from the very beginning. Opting for low-sodium broth gives you better control over the final saltiness of the dish.
• Tomato Power: Crushed tomatoes provide texture and a robust tomato flavor. If you prefer a smoother sauce, tomato passata is an excellent alternative. Tomato paste, however, is non-negotiable! Cooking it briefly helps concentrate its flavor and adds a wonderful richness and a slight sweetness that balances the acidity of the crushed tomatoes.
• Pasta Prowess: As we touched on earlier, the shape of your pasta matters in a one-pot meal. The nooks and crannies of shapes like fusilli are perfect for catching and holding onto every bit of that delicious sauce. They also tend to cook more uniformly in a simmering liquid compared to long strands.

Troubleshooting Your One Pot Pasta Journey

Even with the best intentions, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. That’s totally okay! Here’s how to fix common hiccups with your one pot pasta ground beef.

• Sauce Too Thin? If, after resting, your sauce is still thinner than you’d like, don’t panic. You can gently simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, to allow more liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce and cook for a minute until thickened.
• Sauce Too Thick? This is usually an easy fix! Simply stir in a splash of hot water, broth, or milk (about 1/4 cup at a time) until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate.
• Pasta Sticking to the Pot? This is the most common issue and is usually due to not stirring enough, or the heat being too high. Ensure you’re stirring frequently, especially in the final 5-7 minutes. If it’s already stuck, carefully try to scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon. Sometimes, a little extra liquid can help release it. Next time, try reducing the heat slightly and stirring more often.
• Pasta Unevenly Cooked? This can happen if the pasta isn’t fully submerged or if the liquid level is too low. Make sure your pasta is mostly covered by the liquid when you add it. If you notice some parts are still firm after 15 minutes, add a bit more hot broth or water and continue cooking, stirring well, until everything is tender.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Magic

Life is busy, and I’m all about making things easier! Here’s how you can get a head start on this one pot pasta ground beef:

• Chop Ahead: On a weekend afternoon or even the night before, chop your onion and mince your garlic. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This shaves off a few minutes of prep when dinner time rolls around.
• Measure Out Spices: You can pre-mix your Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl or container. This makes adding them to the pot a quick and seamless step.
• Portioning for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully! Once cooled, portion leftovers into airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Embrace the Cozy: Serving & Storing Your Masterpiece

The best part of making this one pot pasta ground beef recipe is sitting down to enjoy it! Here are my favorite ways to serve and store this comforting dish. If you want another low-fuss one-pan option for busy nights, check out one-pan ranch potatoes and sausage.

Serving Suggestions: This one pot pasta ground beef is a complete meal in itself, but a few simple additions can make it even more special. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is practically mandatory – it melts beautifully into the warm pasta. A scattering of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. For a bit of green, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli would be wonderful.

Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, store any leftover one pot pasta ground beef recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce as it sits, so leftovers might be a bit thicker than when first made.

Reheating: To reheat, gently warm portions in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Pasta Ground Beef recipe

I get asked a lot about one-pot wonders! Here are a few common questions about this one pot pasta ground beef recipe:

Final Thoughts & Your Culinary Adventures

There you have it – a simple, incredibly satisfying one pot pasta ground beef recipe that proves delicious home-cooked meals are totally achievable, even on your busiest nights. I truly believe that cooking should be a source of joy, not stress, and I hope this recipe brings a little extra comfort and ease to your table.

Now it’s your turn! I can’t wait to hear how your one pot pasta ground beef recipe turns out. Did you add any fun twists? Have any questions pop up? Please, share your thoughts, tips, and pictures in the comments below. Let’s keep this delicious conversation going and inspire each other in the kitchen! Happy cooking!