Oh, I am so excited to share this One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort food without the fuss. Everything cooks in a single pan, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t need that on a busy weeknight? The creamy sauce blends perfectly with the hearty beef and those little shell-shaped pastas, making it a family favorite every time I whip it up.

What makes this One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe truly special is its balance of rich flavors and simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. The smoked paprika and oregano bring a subtle earthiness, while the cream adds that luscious texture that keeps you coming back for more. I love how versatile it is too—perfect for casual dinners or when you want to impress without sweating it. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for satisfying, fuss-free meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully to create a rich, flavorful pasta dinner that’s creamy yet well-balanced. Here’s what you’ll need—and I’ll throw in a few tips to help you get the best results.

Salt: Essential for seasoning, and really brings out the flavors in the beef and pasta.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that works wonders with the beef.
Dried Oregano: Gives a hint of herbaceous warmth to the sauce.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a bit of bite.
Chilli Flakes: Optional, but I like the gentle heat to balance the creaminess.
Dried Thyme: A delicate earthy note that blends seamlessly into the dish.
White Onion: Finely diced so it melts into the sauce—don’t skip this!
Garlic: Adds that savory punch; fresh is always best.
Minced/Ground Beef (12% fat): The fat content keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
Tomato Puree (Tomato Paste): Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Beef Stock (warm, not boiling): Builds a savory base—warming it helps everything cook evenly.
Tomato Passata: Makes the sauce smooth and fresh-tasting.
Double/Heavy Cream (room temp): For that luscious, silky finish.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds complexity and umami.
Uncooked Conchiglie Pasta: The shell shape traps the sauce beautifully; you can use other short pasta too.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor at the end.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness.

Variations

I love customizing this One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or the mood we’re in. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—I often swap or add ingredients to keep it fresh and exciting.

Vegetable Boost: I’ve added diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to sneak in some veggies without altering the flavor too much. It’s delicious and adds color.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, boosting the chili flakes or adding a splash of hot sauce works great. Just be cautious at first—you can always add more!
Dairy-Free: I’ve substituted the cream with coconut cream or cashew cream before—still creamy but with a different twist that’s perfect for dietary needs.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter twist, you can swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken. The seasoning still shines through beautifully.
Cheesy Addition: Stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar at the end for extra gooey goodness.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Start by heating some olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onion and garlic—sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant but not browned. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to season with half the salt and pepper here to build your layers of flavor.

Step 2: Stir in Seasonings and Tomato Flavors

Next, mix in the tomato puree, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, chili flakes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together, letting the tomato puree cook for a minute or two to deepen its flavor. Then pour in the warm beef stock and tomato passata—this creates your sauce base. Give it a good stir to combine with the meat and spices before bringing it to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Add Your Pasta and Cook Until Tender

Pour in the uncooked conchiglie pasta straight into the pot and stir well to make sure all the pasta is submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot partially and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This usually takes about 12-15 minutes—keep an eye out for your preferred pasta doneness. If the sauce reduces too much before the pasta is tender, feel free to add a splash more beef stock or water.

Step 4: Finish with Cream for That Perfect Richness

Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, lower the heat and stir in the room-temperature double cream. This step is key for that silky, creamy texture, so make sure your cream isn’t cold to avoid curdling. Stir gently for a minute until everything is beautifully combined and warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with the remaining salt and pepper as needed.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving—it adds such a lovely freshness and color contrast to the creamy sauce. If you enjoy a little extra zing, a little grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate the dish.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like to keep things simple. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Crusty garlic bread is another favorite—great for mopping up every bit of that luscious sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this at a casual dinner party by plating individual servings in shallow bowls, topped with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch and a few basil leaves for a pop of aroma. It turns a humble dish into something a bit more special without too much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I make sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s great for lunches.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times and it works fine, but the cream sauce can sometimes change texture slightly. To keep it creamy when you reheat, I recommend adding a splash of milk or cream and stirring gently on the stove.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra beef stock or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too, but do it in shorter bursts and stir in between so it heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While conchiglie (shell) pasta is great for trapping the sauce, short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work just as well. Just keep cooking times in mind since different shapes and brands vary in how long they need to cook.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or stock to refresh the sauce. It’s a real time-saver for busy evenings!
Is this One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers, but be aware that the cream sauce might change texture slightly when thawed. Reheat slowly and stir in some cream or milk to bring back that creamy feel.
How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce during the cooking process. Just add a little at a time and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it feels like a big, warm hug at the end of a long day. Easy, hearty, and utterly satisfying, it’s the kind of recipe I’m always happy to share with friends who want something delicious without the stress. Give it a try—you’ll see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your rotation too!