Description
This One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish made by cooking ground beef, onions, and spices, then simmering pasta in a rich, creamy tomato sauce all in one pot. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines savory beef, aromatic herbs, and sharp cheddar cheese for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb 85-92% ground beef
- ½ cup diced sweet onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
Thickening and Liquids
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 lb rotini pasta or other short pasta (shells, elbows)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté beef and aromatics: In a 5-quart or larger pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced sweet onion and sauté until the beef is fully cooked with no pink remaining, about 5-6 minutes, breaking apart the meat as it cooks. Then stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper, allowing the mixture to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Add flour to thicken: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef mixture while stirring constantly. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste and to help the sauce thicken later.
- Simmer pasta in sauce: Increase heat to medium-high and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, similar to boiling pasta water. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook uncovered, stirring every few minutes and more frequently near the end to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente, which will take about 11-13 minutes for rotini.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Approximately 1 minute before the pasta finishes cooking, stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. The sauce will remain a bit saucy since the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the dish.
- Stir frequently during pasta cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like shells or elbows.
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though sauce thickness will vary.
- Leftover pasta thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
