Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce Beef Ragu Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is everything you could want in a weeknight dinner. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only one pot, and the flavor combination is out of this world. The beef and tomato sauce create a savory base, while the cream adds a smooth richness that balances the spices. The pasta is cooked right in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors, so there’s no need to cook the pasta separately. Plus, the dish can be ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for those busy days when you want something comforting and filling but don’t have much time.

Ingredients

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 onion, finely chopped

500g (1 lb) beef mince (ground beef)

2 tsp Italian herbs (or a mix of dried oregano, parsley, and basil)

2 tbsp tomato paste

400g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or cooking salt)

1/2 tsp black pepper

4 cups (1 L) low-sodium chicken stock/broth

350g (12 oz) fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, or other short pasta

3/4 cups heavy cream (thickened cream)

For Serving:

Finely grated Parmesan cheese

Finely chopped parsley (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up as you go, until there’s no more red meat visible. Sprinkle in the Italian herbs and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the flavors. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw taste.

Add the Liquids: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well, then add the pasta.

Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Continue cooking until the pasta is nearly done.

Make it Creamy: Once the pasta is just about cooked, pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 1-2 more minutes. The sauce should still be quite saucy, which is exactly what you want—this helps the pasta absorb the liquid and keeps the dish creamy.

Serve: Remove from the stove. Stir the pasta and sauce together, then ladle into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-5 people

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: To make this dish even more hearty, consider adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can sauté them along with the onion and garlic.

Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner protein, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef.

Spicy Kick: For an extra spicy version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based cream alternative like coconut cream and skip the Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any short pasta like penne, macaroni, or fusilli. If you’re using long pasta, you may want to break it in half before cooking.

Is there a substitute for the Italian herbs?

If you don’t have store-bought Italian herbs, you can make your own mix using dried oregano, basil, and parsley. Alternatively, Worcestershire sauce can be used as a substitute for additional flavor.

Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?

Absolutely! You can use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version of the recipe, or simply use water if you prefer.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to increase the spice level. You can also use fresh chopped chili peppers for an extra kick.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Unfortunately, this recipe is not ideal for freezing because pasta tends to become mushy when frozen and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

How do I make this dish lighter?

To make this recipe lighter, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken and opt for a lighter cream or non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add in veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic to cook them through before adding the beef.

How do I make this dish more creamy?

If you prefer a creamier texture, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or add a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

Yes, you can skip the cheese if you want to make the dish dairy-free. The pasta will still be deliciously creamy without it.

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with ground pork, lamb, or even chicken for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavors that everyone will love. The creamy tomato sauce, tender beef, and pasta that soaks up all the deliciousness make it a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

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