Description
This creamy tomato beef pasta is a rich and comforting one-pot meal packed with savory ground beef, a velvety tomato-cream sauce, and tender pasta. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese gives it a depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, shells, or rotini)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the Aromatics & Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
-
Add Flavorings & Pasta
- Stir in tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
- Add uncooked pasta, making sure it is submerged in the liquid.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
-
Simmer & Cook the Pasta
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and let cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
-
Finish & Serve
- Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and black pepper.
Notes
-
- Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a hint of heat.
- Prefer a lighter version? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative.
- Make it gluten-free by swapping the pasta for a gluten-free variety.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian-American