One-Pot Spicy Beef and Tomato Pasta
A one-pot meal combining ground beef, ripe tomatoes, and pasta simmered with chili flakes for a comforting, spicy dinner. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes with juice
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 oz dried penne pasta
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes with juice, 3 cups beef broth, 12 oz dried penne pasta, and 1 tsp salt. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined before serving hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Beef and Tomato Pasta 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 Spicy Beef and Tomato Pasta?
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 Spicy Beef and Tomato Pasta?
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 Spicy Beef and Tomato Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spicy Beef and Tomato Pasta?
Italian one pot 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.
