One-Pot Spicy Ground Beef and Tomato Pasta

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-03 · Updated 2026-05-03

A hearty pasta dish featuring ground beef simmered with tomatoes and spices in one pot for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired meal prep ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and 1 medium diced yellow onion; cook for 6-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, breaking the beef into crumbles.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp dried oregano; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 2 cups beef broth; bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Step 4: Add 12 oz penne pasta, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; stir to combine and cover the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Serve immediately.