One Pot Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Pasta

If you’re craving a hearty, cozy, and downright comforting dinner without dirtying a mountain of dishes, this One Pot Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Pasta is exactly what you need. Tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce finished with a swirl of cream — all cooked together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimum cleanup.

It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Rustic, saucy, satisfying, and oh-so-easy, this is comfort food made simple. Perfect for weeknights when you don’t want to fuss, but still want a dinner that will leave everyone full and happy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

True one-pot cooking: Pasta, sauce, and ground beef all cook together in the same pot — less cleanup, more flavor.
Creamy & saucy: The tomato base is already delicious, but a splash of cream transforms it into something silky, cozy, and irresistible.
Crowd-pleasing flavors: A little Italian seasoning, garlic, onion, and tomato — simple pantry staples that always deliver.
Flexible: Works with different pastas, stocks, and even proteins.
Family-friendly: Kid-approved and hearty enough to satisfy adults too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this creamy one-pot wonder:

Ground Beef: I use lean beef (90–95%), but fattier beef brings extra richness. Don’t stress if yours is higher fat — it will still taste great!
Pasta: Fusilli is a top choice because the spirals hold onto the creamy tomato sauce. Penne, elbows, or shells are also great. Avoid very tiny pastas like orzo.
Chicken Stock or Broth: Adds depth of flavor and ensures the pasta has enough liquid to cook properly. Vegetable stock works too.
Canned Tomatoes + Tomato Paste: These bring tang, body, and a boost of tomato flavor.
Cream: Just ¾ cup is enough to mellow out the acidity and add velvety richness.
Onion & Garlic: Classic flavor builders that give the sauce a savory backbone.
Italian Seasoning: A store-bought herb mix works perfectly here. If you don’t have it, oregano + basil + parsley will do the job.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but I like a subtle warmth to keep the flavors interesting.
Salt & Black Pepper: To season and balance.
Parmesan & Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and a little finishing flair.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Pasta

Don’t worry if the pasta looks extra saucy when you turn off the heat — that’s what you want! Pasta continues to soak up sauce as it sits, so by the time it’s on the table, you’ll have the perfect creamy consistency.

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics & Ground Beef

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned with no pink remaining.

Step 2: Toast the Seasonings

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and cook for 30 seconds. This simple step wakes up the dried herbs and gives them more depth. Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute — this removes any raw flavor and intensifies the tomato base.

Step 3: Add Liquids & Pasta

Pour in chicken stock, canned tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well, then add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. The liquid will reduce and thicken as the pasta cooks, leaving you with a rich, tomatoey sauce.

Step 5: Cream It Up

Once the pasta is nearly done, stir in the cream. Simmer for another minute or two until the sauce is silky and the pasta is perfectly al dente.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon into bowls while it’s still saucy. Top with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Pro Tips for Success

Keep it saucy: Don’t worry if it looks “too wet” when you take it off the stove. By the time it cools slightly and is served, the pasta will absorb some of that sauce.
Stir often: Especially during the last few minutes, to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Use good stock: Since the stock is such a big part of the flavor, choose a brand you like (or make your own).
Don’t skimp on cream: Even a small amount makes a big difference in turning this from regular tomato pasta to creamy comfort food.

Variations & Add-Ins

This recipe is a blank canvas for delicious twists. Try one of these ideas:

Veggie Boost: Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach toward the end of cooking.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or fontina along with the cream for an extra melty sauce.
Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes, or add a splash of hot sauce for bolder heat.
Protein Swap: Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage make great alternatives.
Herby Freshness: Stir in fresh basil or oregano at the end for brightness.

What to Serve With Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Pasta

This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with simple sides rounds out the meal beautifully:

Garlic Bread: Because more carbs = more happiness.
Green Salad: A crisp Caesar or Italian-style salad balances the richness.
Roasted Veggies: Think broccoli, asparagus, or carrots.

Storage & Reheating

Like most pastas, this one tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of stock, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long — it can dry out the pasta.
Freeze: This dish is best fresh, but leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: simple, hearty, and made with pantry staples. It’s saucy, cozy, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a big bowl of comfort, this recipe delivers every single time. One pot, one hearty meal, and one happy family around the table.