There’s something quietly satisfying about a meal that bubbles away in a single pot, filling the kitchen with the cozy scent of garlic and herbs. This one pot pasta with ground beef is exactly that kind of dinner—comforting, straightforward, and just a little bit forgiving. I remember the evening I first made it, juggling a phone call and a distracted toddler while the aroma of tomatoes and oregano swirled around me. I wasn’t sure how the pasta would cook all in one pot, and I may have peeked a few times too many, but it turned out just right—creamy, hearty, and exactly what I wanted after a long day.
The balance between the savory ground beef and the tangy tomatoes is spot on, while the hint of red pepper flakes adds just enough warmth without overpowering. The Parmesan stirred in at the end melts into a lush sauce that coats every piece of penne. It’s the kind of dish where you can almost forgive the slight mess of sauce on your shirt because it tastes that good.
It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But sometimes, simple is exactly what you need to hit the reset button on a crazy day.
- Saves time with just one pot to wash—because who wants a pile of dishes after dinner?
- Combines protein and carbs in a satisfying, hearty meal that’s ready in about 35 minutes.
- Its flavors deepen while it simmers, making leftovers even better the next day.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just comfort.
- You might find yourself stirring a little too often, but hey, that’s half the fun.
If you’re worried about it feeling too basic, don’t be. This dish has enough character to keep you coming back, but nothing too complicated to scare off weeknight cooks.
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One Pot Pasta with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and easy one pot pasta dish featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
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 salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 (14.5 ounces) 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 olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, and uncooked penne pasta to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Using just a large pot or deep skillet means you don’t need extra equipment, which I appreciate on busy nights. I usually serve it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for a bit of freshness and crunch. Sometimes I’ll swap penne for rigatoni or even elbow macaroni, depending on what’s in the pantry. And if I’m feeling adventurous, I toss in a handful of spinach or mushrooms toward the end, though I haven’t tested all combos equally well.
FAQ
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? Yes, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The cooking time stays about the same, but the flavor will be lighter.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Dried parsley works in a pinch, but fresh adds that bright finish. You can skip it if needed.
How spicy is it? The red pepper flakes add just a subtle kick. You can adjust the amount or leave it out for a milder dish.
Can I make this vegetarian? You could omit the beef and add more veggies or a plant-based protein, though it will change the texture and flavor.
Ready to get cozy with a simple, satisfying meal? Grab your pot and dive in—this one pot pasta with ground beef is waiting to be your new weeknight hero.