It’s that kind of evening when you’re juggling a million things and the idea of cooking feels overwhelming. I remember this one Tuesday, the kind where I glanced at the clock and realized dinner had to happen fast—or not at all. The scent of garlic and onions sizzling in one pot was oddly soothing amid the chaos. Somewhere between stirring the sauce and breaking up the beef, I caught a glimpse of the pasta softening in the rich tomato broth. It wasn’t perfect—some noodles stuck a little, and I might have been distracted checking my phone—but the warmth that filled the kitchen made it worth every second.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Minimal cleanup because everything cooks in one pot—because who has time for dishes after a long day?
- Big, comforting flavors without endless steps—it’s simple, and that’s kind of the point.
- Hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites but flexible for adding your favorite veggies or spices.
- Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when you want dinner on the table fast.
If you’re worried about leftovers or reheating, this one pot pasta actually holds up well in the fridge and just needs a quick splash of broth or water to freshen up when warmed.
Print
One Pot Pasta with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and easy one pot pasta recipe featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta all cooked together for a flavorful and hearty meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups beef broth
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
Add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
Add 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 12-15 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need fancy equipment—just a large, sturdy pot with a lid works great here. I usually serve this with a simple green salad or some garlic bread, but it’s also hearty enough on its own. Sometimes I toss in a handful of spinach near the end or swap penne for rigatoni if that’s what’s in the pantry. I haven’t tested adding cream, but a splash might make it extra silky if you’re feeling indulgent.
FAQ:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, it’s a lighter option though the flavor will be a bit different. Is it okay to prepare this ahead? It’s best fresh but can be reheated with a little broth added. What if the pasta sticks? Stir frequently and keep an eye on the liquid level to prevent it from drying out.
Give this one pot pasta a try next time the weeknight rush hits. It’s a cozy, no-fuss dinner that feels like a small victory on a busy day.