This hearty one-pot ground beef pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich creamy sauce all in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the hassle of multiple dishes to clean. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 450g (1 lb) extra lean ground beef
- 250g (2 cups) penne pasta or pasta of choice
- 1/2 large onion (or 1 small onion), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter (plus 1 tsp additional)
Sauce & Seasonings:
- 820ml (3 1/2 cups) chicken stock or broth
- 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add the finely chopped onion to the pan with the browned beef. Stir well and let it cook for 1 minute until the onion begins to soften.
Step 3: Season and Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of butter to the pan. Let the garlic fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Pasta
Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the penne pasta and stir to combine. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another minute, stirring gently, until everything comes together in a rich, silky sauce. The pasta should be tender and the sauce should coat everything beautifully.
Step 6: Final Touches
Turn off the heat and sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the pasta if using. Cover the pan for 1 minute to allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately while hot. This one-pot wonder is complete on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
Tips for Success
The key to this recipe’s success is timing and not overcooking the pasta. Keep an eye on the liquid levels and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid even after removing from heat, so don’t worry if it seems slightly saucy at first. This ground beef pasta recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or different cheese varieties.