Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 12 ounces Pasta (like penne, rotini or campanelle)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- First, grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven – this is where all the magic is going to happen. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil into your pot and heat it over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s beautifully browned, about 5-7 minutes, making sure there are no pink bits left. As it cooks, you’ll hear that satisfying sizzle and smell the rich aroma of browning meat. Once browned, drain any excess fat – this is crucial for a non-greasy sauce. Now, reduce the heat to medium and add a finely chopped yellow onion to the pot with the beef. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, releasing its sweet fragrance. Next, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook and stir constantly for another minute or two. This step is vital because it blooms the tomato paste, deepening its flavor and making it less acidic. You’ll notice the tomato paste turn a darker, richer red and caramelize slightly on the bottom of the pot.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with your spoon. Those bits are loaded with flavor! Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, a generous pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and if you like a little kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine. Now, it’s time for the star of the show – the pasta! Add the uncooked pasta directly into the sauce, making sure it’s submerged. If it looks a little dry, you can add a splash more broth, but generally, the recipe amounts are perfect. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. This means it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite. Remember to stir occasionally, every 2-3 minutes, to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking. The sauce will thicken beautifully as the pasta releases its starches.
- Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the sauce transforms into that irresistible, luxurious creaminess we crave! Continue stirring gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary; you might need a little more salt or pepper. The pasta should be perfectly coated in a rich, luscious sauce, not too watery and not too thick. Avoid overcooking the pasta at this stage, as it will continue to absorb liquid even after it’s off the heat. Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its absolute best, ensuring every forkful is warm and comforting.
- Creating the fresh parsley garnish is incredibly simple but adds a vibrant burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the rich pasta. First, rinse your fresh parsley under cool water and pat it thoroughly dry with a paper towel. This ensures it won’t clump together. Lay the parsley on a cutting board and finely chop it using a sharp knife. You want small, delicate pieces that will sprinkle easily. Once chopped, set it aside. Just before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of the fresh parsley over each bowl of hot pasta. For an extra touch of deliciousness, grate some fresh Parmesan cheese directly over the parsley and pasta. The heat from the pasta will slightly melt the Parmesan, creating an even more enticing aroma and flavor. The combination of fresh parsley and sharp Parmesan provides a delightful contrast to the creamy, savory pasta, elevating both its appearance and taste.
- Now for the best part – serving this magnificent One Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta! With a large serving spoon, gently scoop generous portions into wide, shallow bowls. The pasta should be glistening, elegantly coated in that rich, velvety sauce, with tender ground beef crumbles and flecks of vibrant tomato peeking through. Make sure each serving gets a hearty amount of both pasta and luscious sauce. Immediately after serving, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, which adds a beautiful pop of green and a fresh, aromatic counterpoint to the richness. For an extra layer of decadence and visual appeal, grate additional fresh Parmesan cheese right over the top. The steam from the pasta will coax out the cheese’s nutty aroma, making each bowl truly irresistible. Serve it piping hot and watch as everyone’s faces light up with pure delight – it’s a dish that looks as comforting and inviting as it tastes.
Notes
Prepare your taste buds for a symphony of flavors because this One Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero! Imagine tender ground beef, perfectly seasoned, mingling with al dente pasta, all swimming in a rich, velvety tomato-cream sauce that coats every single strand. It’s comforting, hearty, and utterly satisfying, delivering a gourmet experience with minimal cleanup. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, promising pure culinary bliss with every spoonful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American