When the clock’s ticking and you’re juggling a million things, a meal that comes together in one pot feels like a small victory. This one pot pasta with ground beef is exactly that kind of win—rich, savory, and surprisingly simple. It’s the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting scents and wraps you up in its cozy flavors before you even sit down.
I remember one evening last week, rushing home with groceries in hand and a mind full of errands left undone. The minute I started browning the beef, the smell of garlic and oregano filled the air, and I paused—just for a second—to breathe it all in. The bubbling pot, the soft hiss as the tomatoes and broth simmered, it was oddly calming. I stirred the pasta, feeling a little impatient as the minutes ticked by, but that first taste made it all worth it. Not perfect, since I almost forgot to add the parsley at the end, but perfect enough to make me want to cook it again—and soon.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Everything cooks in one pot, saving time and cleanup—though you might miss the layers of flavor from separate steps, but hey, simplicity wins sometimes.
- Comforting and filling, with hearty ground beef and tender pasta soaking up a rich tomato broth.
- Seasoned with classic Italian herbs and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes, without getting too spicy for everyone at the table.
- Ready in about 35 minutes, making it a manageable weeknight option even when you feel rushed.
If you’re worried about leftovers, this dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days and even reheats nicely with a splash of broth to loosen things up.
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One Pot Pasta with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful one pot pasta dish with ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
4 cups beef broth
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the beef broth. Stir to combine.
Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot and stir to submerge the pasta in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You really don’t need fancy equipment here—a sturdy pot or deep skillet does the trick. I usually serve this with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. Sometimes I throw in a handful of spinach toward the end for a quick veggie boost, but I haven’t tried adding mushrooms yet—might do that next time. If you want it a bit saucier, adding extra broth works fine, though it’ll take a little longer to cook down.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta? Probably! I’ve only tested penne here, but other shapes that cook in about the same time should be fine.
What if I don’t have beef broth? Water with a bit of extra seasoning works in a pinch, though the broth adds more depth.
Is this freezer-friendly? I haven’t frozen it myself, but since it holds up well in the fridge, freezing might change the texture of the pasta a bit.
Ready to bring this cozy one pot pasta with ground beef to your table? Go ahead and save it for your next busy night—your future self will thank you.