One-Pot Beefy Tomato Pasta 🥩🍅🧄🍝 Savory, Saucy, and Ultra-Satisfying With Just One Pot and Zero Fuss

This is classic weeknight comfort — ground beef simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce that cooks the pasta right in the same pot. The starch thickens the sauce, the beef adds richness, and you get maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Cozy, craveable, and ready in 30.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the base

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or sausage)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Optional: ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

For the pasta and sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth or water
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for depth)
• 8 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, shells, etc.)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan or mozzarella
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

To finish

• Fresh basil or parsley
• More cheese for topping
• Optional: a splash of cream or butter for richness

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add garlic and liquids
Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer.

Step 3: Cook the pasta
Stir in dry pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick.

Step 4: Stir in cheese
Remove lid. Stir in Parmesan and let melt. Add pasta water if needed for a saucier texture. Simmer 1–2 minutes more.

Step 5: Serve hot
Top with herbs, more cheese, or a swirl of cream or butter if desired.

Flavor Variations

• Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat
• Add spinach, kale, or frozen peas at the end
• Stir in a spoon of ricotta or cream cheese for creaminess
• Toss in olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers
• Swap beef for lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta — stir and taste as it simmers
• A little tomato paste deepens the flavor without extra time
• Parmesan helps thicken and finish the sauce
• Pasta water = secret weapon for perfect texture
• Simmer uncovered at the end if it needs to reduce

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Beefy Tomato Pasta is rich, saucy, and built for speed — the kind of dinner that satisfies every time without turning your kitchen upside down. One pot, full flavor, no shortcuts.

Brown it. Simmer it. Scoop it straight from the skillet. 🥩🍅🧄🍝

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.