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Creamy One-Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Dinner

creamy one-pot ground beef pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring ground beef, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or soaked if dry-packed)
  • 8 ounces (225 g) uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 3 cups (720 ml) beef broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if desired.
  2. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add 8 ounces uncooked pasta and 3 cups beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if pasta is not fully cooked.
  5. Remove lid and stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats pasta. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Let rest for 5 minutes off heat for flavors to meld.

Notes

Do not rush browning the beef to develop flavor. Stir frequently during simmer to prevent pasta from sticking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best sauce texture. Adjust broth quantity as needed depending on pasta type and pan. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with almond milk mixed with cornstarch. Gluten-free pasta can be used with adjusted cooking time. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, ground beef pasta, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal