Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta

There’s something magical about a one-pot meal that delivers big flavour with minimal fuss—and this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta ticks all the right boxes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a long day or craving something hearty without the mountain of dishes, this recipe is for you.

Rich, creamy, herby, and satisfying—this pasta is cooked all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and every bite worth the stir.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• One pot = fewer dishes
• Ready in under 40 minutes
• Family-approved and kid-friendly
• Flexible with what you have on hand

Ingredient Roles Explained

• Cooking Oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, and to help brown the beef evenly without sticking. Oil is also a flavour carrier—it helps draw out the aroma from the aromatics (onion & garlic).

• Garlic Cloves, Minced: Adds a deep, savory base flavour and a warm, slightly spicy kick. Garlic builds the foundation of the dish’s aroma.

• Onions, diced: Onions bring natural sweetness and umami when cooked down. They balance the acidity of the tomatoes and add body to the sauce.

• Minced Beef: The star protein of the dish. It adds richness, heartiness, and savory flavor. It also absorbs the herb and tomato flavors well.

• Oregano, Parsley, Basil (Dried Herbs): These Italian-inspired herbs enhance the depth of the tomato sauce and bring warmth, freshness, and complexity to the dish.

• Oregano: Adds bold, slightly bitter earthiness.
• Parsley: Offers a mild, slightly peppery balance.
• Basil: Brings sweetness and a touch of minty freshness.

• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a deep, rich umami base. It also thickens the sauce slightly and balances the sweetness of the onions.

• Fresh Tomatoes, Pureed: The main body of the sauce. Fresh tomatoes give the dish its vibrant, natural flavor and signature tang. They also add moisture to cook the pasta.

• Salt & Black Pepper to Taste: Essential seasonings! Salt enhances all the other flavours, while black pepper adds a gentle heat and depth.

• Stock/Broth or Water: This is the cooking liquid for the pasta.

• Stock/broth: Adds extra flavor and richness.
• Water: A neutral base if stock isn’t available, still works fine thanks to the flavorful ingredients.

• Pasta of Choice: The comforting starch base of the dish. It cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors.
• Tip: Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells hold the sauce better.

• Cooking Cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy and luxurious. It mellows out the acidity of the tomatoes and brings the dish together with a silky finish.

• Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (Optional Garnish): Adds a fresh, bright contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. It also enhances visual appeal and adds a finishing layer of aroma.

Bonus Insight:

Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce (instead of boiling it separately) means:

• You save on dishes
• The pasta soaks up all the herby, beefy, tomatoey flavors
• The starch released helps naturally thicken the sauce

How to Make It:

1. Sauté Your Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large pot over high heat. Add the garlic and onions and sauté for about 1½ minutes, until fragrant and slightly golden.

2. Brown the Beef: Add in your minced beef. Cook, breaking it up with your spoon, until there’s no more visible pink. This step builds a rich, beefy flavour.

3. Add Herbs & Tomato Paste: Toss in the oregano, parsley, and basil. Stir for 30 seconds, then add the tomato paste. Let it cook for about 2 minutes—this removes any raw taste and deepens the sauce.

4. Make It Saucy
Pour in the pureed tomatoes, followed by the broth (or water). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, then add the pasta directly into the pot.

5. Let It Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. As the pasta starts to soften, stir more often to prevent sticking.

6. Finish with Cream
Once the pasta is almost done, pour in the cooking cream. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes. Don’t worry if it looks a little saucy—it will thicken as it sits. That creaminess? Absolutely irresistible

7. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of colour and freshness. Remove from heat, give it a good stir, and serve warm alongside your favourite veggies.

Gwen’s Tips:

• Want to sneak in veggies? Grated carrots, bell peppers, or spinach can be added with the tomato.
• No cream? You can actually make your own with milk, butter and cornstarch! Check here how to go about it.
• Leftovers? Store in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.

Watch the Full Video Tutorial!

Here is a quick video showing how I made this easy one pot creamy tomato beef pasta. You can also subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more recipe videos, kitchen tips & hacks!

More One Pot Recipes You’ll Love:

Looking for more delicious one pot recipes?! Check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to enjoy!

• Easy One Pot Cashew Cream Veggies Pasta
• The best one pot chicken & rice in the oven
• Lamb & Potatoes Stew (One pot meal)
• One pot Cashew Cream Chicken Stew (loaded with vegetables)
• Simple One-Pot Chicken & Rice: Comfort Food Made Simple
• Breakfast Potatoes with Choma Sausages
• Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash or Sweet Potato Shakshuka (with sausages
• Githeri with potatoes
• Skillet Breakfast Potatoes (protein packed)
• Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash or Sweet Potato Shakshuka (with bacon)
• Easy Vegetable Stir Fried Rice
• Sausage & Veggies Pasta Stir Fry
• Mushroom Noodles Stir Fry
• Simple Delicious Githeri Curry (Vegan)
• Brown Rice Mushroom Pilau (Vegan Pilau)
• Simple Beef Pilau
• Easy Homemade Lasagna

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Leave a comment below and tag @gwenjikoni on Instagram and hashtag it #gwenjikoni

I love seeing what you’ve made!