This easy one-pot beef pasta is a hearty, comforting dinner made with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, Italian herbs, and melted cheese. Everything cooks together in one pot, creating a flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.
It’s a great recipe for busy weeknights because you don’t need to cook the pasta separately. The pasta simmers directly in the savory tomato and beef sauce, absorbing plenty of flavor as it cooks.
Finish it with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan and fresh parsley for an easy family dinner everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Beef Pasta
- Everything cooks in one pot
- Easy weeknight dinner
- Minimal cleanup
- Hearty and filling
- Family-friendly
- Made with simple ingredients
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Easy to customize
- Great leftovers
- Freezer-friendly
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces
- 1 can tomato sauce, 15 ounces
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
How to Make One-Pot Beef Pasta
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add the olive oil and ground beef.
Cook while breaking the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
Continue cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the Onion
Add the diced onion to the pot.
Cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir occasionally so the onion cooks evenly.
3. Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic.
Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
4. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Stir everything together.
5. Add the Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth.
Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
The broth provides the liquid needed to cook the pasta directly in the pot.
6. Add the Pasta
Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot.
Stir so the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce.
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
7. Simmer
Cover the pot loosely and simmer for approximately 12–16 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
Keep an eye on the liquid level.
The pasta should become tender while the sauce gradually thickens.
If the pasta needs more liquid before it becomes tender, add a small amount of additional broth.
8. Add the Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, turn off the heat.
Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
The residual heat will melt the cheese into the sauce and make the pasta creamy and rich.
9. Finish the Pasta
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
Cover the pot for 2–3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
10. Serve
Spoon the beef pasta into bowls.
Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and the cheese is melted.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best?
Short pasta shapes work especially well because they cook evenly and hold onto the beef and tomato sauce.
Good choices include:
- Penne
- Rotini
- Ziti
- Rigatoni
- Cavatappi
- Shells
Avoid very thin pasta because the cooking time and liquid ratio will be different.
Can I Use Ground Turkey?
Yes.
Ground turkey can replace the ground beef.
Because turkey is leaner, you may want to add an extra teaspoon of olive oil for flavor and moisture.
Can I Use Ground Chicken?
Yes.
Ground chicken also works well.
Use the same cooking method and make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding the remaining ingredients.
Can I Make One-Pot Beef Pasta Spicy?
Absolutely.
Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeño, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
You can also use hot Italian sausage along with the ground beef for a stronger spicy flavor.
Easy One-Pot Beef Pasta Variations
Cheesy Beef Pasta
Add extra mozzarella and cheddar for an ultra-cheesy version.
Creamy Beef Pasta
Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream toward the end of cooking for a richer sauce.
Beef and Mushroom Pasta
Add sliced mushrooms with the onions.
Beef Taco Pasta
Replace the Italian seasonings with taco seasoning and add corn, black beans, and cheddar cheese.
Spinach Beef Pasta
Stir fresh spinach into the finished pasta and cook until wilted.
Vegetable Beef Pasta
Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Spicy Tomato Beef Pasta
Add red pepper flakes and a little crushed chili pepper to the tomato sauce.
Can I Use Jarred Marinara Sauce?
Yes.
You can replace the tomato sauce and some of the seasonings with your favorite marinara sauce.
Because marinara sauces vary in thickness, you may need to adjust the amount of beef broth.
Why Is My One-Pot Pasta Too Watery?
If the pasta is cooked but the sauce is still thin, simmer the pasta uncovered for a few additional minutes.
The starch released by the pasta will naturally help thicken the sauce.
Avoid adding too much extra broth at once.
Why Is My Pasta Dry?
The pasta may have absorbed more liquid than expected.
Add a small splash of warm beef broth or water and stir gently.
Continue cooking until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, although the pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits.
For the best texture, prepare it shortly before serving.
If making it ahead, reserve a little extra broth or tomato sauce to loosen the pasta when reheating.
How to Store One-Pot Beef Pasta
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat One-Pot Beef Pasta
Reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Add a splash of beef broth or water before reheating to loosen the sauce.
For larger portions, warm the pasta gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Stir occasionally until heated through.
Can I Freeze One-Pot Beef Pasta?
Yes.
Allow the pasta to cool completely.
Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The pasta may become slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor will remain delicious.
What to Serve With One-Pot Beef Pasta
This hearty pasta pairs well with simple sides such as:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Green salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic knots
- Steamed vegetables
- Sautéed spinach
A simple green salad and warm garlic bread make an easy complete dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, although whole wheat pasta may require a little more liquid and cooking time.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, but canned tomatoes provide more consistent moisture and flavor for a one-pot recipe.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, but beef broth gives the dish a richer flavor.
Can I use cheddar cheese?
Yes. Cheddar can be combined with mozzarella for a richer, cheesier pasta.
Can I make this without cheese?
Yes. The pasta will still be flavorful because of the beef, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and broccoli are all good options.
Recipe Card
One-Pot Beef Pasta
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 ounces penne or rotini
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup Parmesan
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot.
- Brown the ground beef and drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, herbs, and seasonings.
- Add beef broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add uncooked pasta directly to the pot.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 12–16 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Turn off the heat and stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Cover for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm.