Name: One-Pot Creamy Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini); 3 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 2 tbsp cream cheese or sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess); 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese; 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning or smoked paprika (optional); Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

One-Pot Creamy Beef is a cozy, comforting dish made with tender ground beef, savory seasonings, and a rich, creamy sauce that coats every bite. With pasta cooked right in the same pot, it’s a no-fuss, no-mess dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and satisfying this recipe is—it all comes together in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. The beef is seasoned and browned, then simmered with broth and pasta until tender. A touch of cream and cheese at the end gives it a luxurious finish. It’s a family-friendly dinner that feels comforting without being complicated.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
onion, diced
garlic, minced
pasta (elbow, rotini, or penne work great)
beef broth
heavy cream or half-and-half
cream cheese or sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper
Italian seasoning or paprika (optional)
chopped parsley (for garnish)

directions

I heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. I drain any excess fat if needed.
I add the diced onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
I stir in the pasta, beef broth, salt, pepper, and seasoning. I bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover.
I simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
I stir in the cream, cream cheese or sour cream (if using), and shredded cheese until smooth and creamy.
I taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with parsley before serving hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–6 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so dinner is ready in about 30 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add frozen peas, spinach, or chopped bell peppers for extra veggies. When I want more heat, I stir in a bit of chili powder or red pepper flakes. I’ve also used ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and it still turns out delicious. For a smoky flavor, I add a dash of smoked paprika.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. It thickens slightly in the fridge but still tastes amazing.

FAQs

Can I use any kind of pasta?

Yes, I use whatever I have on hand—elbows, shells, penne, or rotini all work well. Just adjust cook time if needed.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless I add spice. I can keep it mild for kids or kick it up with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I use a plant-based milk and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. It won’t be quite as creamy, but it’s still tasty.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it stores and reheats well. I often make it a day ahead and reheat for a quick, comforting meal.

Can I freeze this dish?

It can be frozen, but the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. I reheat slowly with added liquid for best results.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Beef is the kind of easy, satisfying meal I turn to when I want something hearty without a lot of cleanup. It’s creamy, flavorful, and totally customizable. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pot dinner is always a winner.

One-Pot Creamy Beef