Some dinners are a sigh of relief—this one pot pasta with ground beef is exactly that kind of meal. It’s the kind you throw together when you’re juggling a million things and the thought of washing multiple dishes is just too much. The rich scent of browned beef mingling with garlic and simmering tomatoes fills the kitchen, pulling you in despite the chaos of the day.

I remember the other night when I was halfway through a story on my laptop, the oven timer forgotten and my mind elsewhere. The pasta was simmering away, and that familiar aroma brought me back. I stirred it a bit too enthusiastically, splashing a little sauce on the counter—forgot to grab a napkin right away, of course—but it didn’t matter. This dish has that kind of forgiving charm; it’s hearty, comforting, and so simple that even with a distracted mind, it turns out just right.

Why You’ll Love It:

It’s all made in one pot, which means less mess and more time for… well, anything else.
Rich, savory ground beef blends with Italian seasonings for a familiar, satisfying flavor.
The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all those juices—no need to boil separately.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just straightforward comfort.
Perfect for nights when you want a filling meal without fussing over multiple pans.

Even if you’re unsure about one-pot meals, this one finds the right balance between ease and taste. The slightly rustic texture of the pasta, the way the cheese melts in at the end, it’s the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

One Pot Pasta with Ground Beef

Print Recipe

A quick and easy one pot pasta recipe featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups beef broth
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet 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.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and beef broth.
Add the uncooked penne pasta, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
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 15 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Kitchen Notes: I usually use a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to make sure everything cooks evenly and nothing sticks. Serving this with a simple green salad or some crusty bread can round out the meal nicely. Sometimes, I toss in a handful of spinach near the end when I want to sneak in some greens, but honestly, the basic version is already pretty satisfying. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, though I haven’t tried that with kids around. Leftovers reheat well, though you might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQ:

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken? Yes, though the flavor will be a bit lighter. You might want to adjust seasonings to compensate.

What if I don’t have penne? Other pasta shapes work—just keep an eye on cooking times as they vary.

Is it okay to use dried parsley instead of fresh? Sure, but fresh really brightens the dish at the end.

When you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen, this one pot pasta with ground beef is a solid answer. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your weeknight rotation.