Name: One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Your Weeknight Needs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups beef broth; 1 1/2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or penne); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped parsley (optional)

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This one pot ground beef recipe is your ticket to a fast, filling dinner without the mess. When I say it’s easy, I mean toss-everything-in-a-pot-and-stir kind of easy. We’re talking Ground Beef One Pot Meals-level simple. I threw this together after a long day when all I wanted was something warm and comforting but didn’t want to babysit three burners and a saucepan. It’s become one of my go-to One Pan Ground Beef Recipes for that reason. You brown the meat, mix in your pantry heroes, and just let it bubble into a cozy bowl of comfort. This recipe hits that sweet spot between Simple Ground Beef Recipes and Quick Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner. It’s hearty like the best Ground Beef Casserole Recipes, but faster than your average Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes. Plus, fewer dishes. I count that as a win any day of the week.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pot Ground Beef Pasta
4) How to Make One Pot Ground Beef Pasta
5) Tips for Making One Pot Ground Beef Pasta
6) Making One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Pot Ground Beef Pasta
8) Try these One Pot recipes next!
9) One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Uses simple pantry staples and ground beef
Everything cooks in one pot, saving on cleanup
Perfect for busy weeknights when time is short
Hearty, comforting, and family-approved

2) Easy One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Let me guess. It’s 5:30 p.m., your stomach’s growling, and your sink already has a tower of dishes. I’ve been there—more times than I’d like to admit. That’s why this one pot ground beef recipe is a regular on my meal rotation. You just need one pot, a little time, and a handful of ingredients you probably already have.

Quick to make, easy to clean, and big on flavor. What more could you want from dinner? It’s the kind of meal that makes Ground Beef One Pot Meals worth bookmarking. I started making this when my kids were still little, and even now, they still ask for it by name. It’s cozy, filling, and doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not.

This pasta delivers everything you want from One Pan Ground Beef Recipes. A saucy, beefy base with pasta that soaks up all the goodness. And cheese, of course. Because life’s too short to skip the cheese. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for seconds. Maybe thirds.

3) Ingredients for One Pot Ground Beef Pasta

Olive oil: Just a splash to get those onions going. I use extra virgin because it’s what I keep by the stove, but any will do the trick.

Onion: Dice it fine so it melts into the sauce. This is the base of flavor, so don’t rush this step.

Garlic: A couple cloves, minced. Tossed in after the onion so it doesn’t burn. Garlic and beef? Always a win.

Ground beef: Use whatever fat ratio works for you. I usually go with 85/15. It adds flavor without being greasy.

Salt and black pepper: Basics, but they bring everything together. Taste as you go—you’re the boss of this pot.

Paprika: Not the smoked kind—just a little sweetness and color. Subtle, but nice.

Tomato paste: A spoonful gives the sauce depth and richness. You’ll know it’s right when the smell hits your nose.

Diced tomatoes: One can, juice and all. It gives you that saucy vibe without needing marinara.

Beef broth: This is where the pasta soaks up flavor. I’ve used water in a pinch, but broth gives it something extra.

Pasta: Elbows, penne, rotini—go with what you’ve got. Something short and sturdy works best.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Tossed in at the end for creamy comfort. You could use mozzarella, but I love the sharpness here.

Parsley (optional): Not necessary, but it makes things look a little more put together. Sometimes, that’s enough.

4) How to Make One Pot Ground Beef Pasta

Step 1: Heat your pot over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Once it shimmers, toss in the chopped onion. Stir it every now and then for a few minutes until soft and golden.

Step 2: Add the garlic and give it a quick stir—30 seconds tops. You just want the aroma to hit you. Then, crumble in the ground beef. Stir it around, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over.

Step 3: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and paprika. Drop in the tomato paste and mix it all together. Cook it for a couple minutes until the paste turns a deeper red and everything smells cozy.

Step 4: Dump in the diced tomatoes and broth. Stir to combine, then add the dry pasta. Make sure it’s covered with liquid.

Step 5: Bring it all to a light boil, then lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir halfway through to keep anything from sticking.

Step 6: Once the pasta’s cooked and most of the liquid’s absorbed, stir in the cheese. Let it melt and turn everything creamy. That’s your cue—it’s done.

5) Tips for Making One Pot Ground Beef Pasta

Don’t skimp on browning the beef. That crusty bit at the bottom of the pot? Pure flavor. Scrape it up with the broth and thank yourself later.

Stick to short pasta shapes. Long noodles don’t cook as evenly in one pot and get too clumpy. Elbows or penne are your best friends here.

Add more broth if the pasta absorbs too much. Every brand cooks a little different. If things look dry, pour in a splash more and stir it in.

Want more veggies? Go ahead and toss in some diced bell pepper or frozen peas with the tomatoes. The one pot ground beef recipe plays nice with extras.

Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. It thickens up and cools just enough to eat without burning your tongue. Ask me how I know.

6) Making One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Ahead of Time

This is one of those meals that actually gets better with time. You can make it earlier in the day and let it sit covered on the stove. Just warm it gently when it’s time to eat.

If you’re meal prepping for the week, this one pot ground beef pasta holds up well in containers. The pasta softens slightly but still tastes great reheated. Add a little water or broth when you warm it up to bring back the creaminess.

Whether you’re hosting friends or just feeding your future self, this dish is forgiving. You can make it a few hours ahead, and it won’t complain. Neither will anyone at the table.

7) Storing Leftover One Pot Ground Beef Pasta

Leftovers? You’re lucky. Store the pasta in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When hunger hits, just microwave it with a splash of broth or water.

If you’re someone who likes to batch cook, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It keeps for about 2 months.

Defrost overnight in the fridge, or reheat straight from frozen. It’s not quite the same as fresh, but it’s still comforting and filling. I call that a win.

8) Try these One Pot recipes next!

9) One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe