This 4-ingredient creamy tomato beef pasta is the kind of practical, comforting dinner that earns a permanent spot in a busy weeknight rotation. Ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and a creamy finish come together in one pot for a meal that tastes far more developed than its short cooking time suggests, with the beef adding savory depth and the cream softening the acidity of the tomatoes into a smooth, family-friendly sauce.
Serve this pasta with a crisp green salad, simple steamed broccoli, or garlic bread if you want to stretch it into a fuller meal. A shower of grated Parmesan and a little cracked black pepper on top are easy extras, and if you have it on hand, a side of roasted green beans or a bowl of fresh fruit rounds out the plate nicely.
4-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
8 ounces dry pasta, such as penne or rotini
1 jar (24 ounces) tomato pasta sauce
1 cup heavy cream
Directions
1. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
2. Pour in the dry pasta, tomato sauce, and 2 1/2 cups water. Stir well, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once or twice so the pasta cooks evenly.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, until the sauce turns creamy, glossy, and lightly thickened.
4. Let the pasta stand for 2 minutes to thicken slightly, then spoon into bowls or onto plates and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Make it cheesier: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella at the end for an even richer sauce and a little extra body.
Choose the right pasta: Short shapes like penne, rotini, shells, or fusilli work especially well here because they hold the creamy tomato sauce and cook evenly in the pot.
Adjust the consistency: If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is fully tender, add a small splash of water. If it seems a little loose at the end, let it sit uncovered for a minute or two before serving.
Add a little flavor boost: Even though the recipe keeps things minimal, a pinch of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes can be added with the sauce if you want more complexity.
Lighten it up: You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter finish, though the sauce will be a bit less rich and slightly thinner.