One-Pot Beef and Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan
A hearty one-pot Italian-inspired pasta where beef, tomatoes, and fresh basil meld together in a rich sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese for a cozy meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 560 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (28 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup, plus extra for serving grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Step 2: Add 1 finely chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 3 cups beef broth, 12 oz uncooked penne pasta, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Beef and Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Beef and Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Beef and Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Beef and Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Beef and Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
