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One-Pot Beefy Tomato Pasta

A hearty one-pot pasta dinner combining ground beef and tender noodles in a rich tomato sauce, ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 oz short pasta penne, rotini, or shells
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 15 oz tomato sauce 1 can
  • 1/2 cup water as needed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot or deep skillet with lid
  • wooden spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and basil. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  3. Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Increase heat and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Add dry pasta to the pot, stirring to submerge all pieces. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Add water in small amounts if the mixture becomes too thick before pasta is tender.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating as the pasta continues to absorb liquid. Freezes for up to 3 months. Substitutions: Use plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Italian sausage can replace ground beef for different flavor. Make-Ahead: Brown the beef and onions up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to finish cooking.