This creamy One-Pot Spicy Ground Beef Pasta is an easy one-pot dinner made with simple ingredients. Ground beef, garlic, tomato paste, cream, and broth come together to make a rich and flavorful sauce. The pasta cooks right in the same pot, so there’s less cleanup! It’s ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights. Top it with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a cozy meal the whole family will love. Don’t stop here—if you loved this dish, be sure to try my One-Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta next!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground beef is the base of the dish, adding flavor and protein! If you don’t have ground beef, you could use ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Garlic: I added a tablespoon of minced garlic to this dish. This recipe makes a pretty big batch, so I wanted to make sure there was enough for seasoning it all!
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds rich, deep flavor and helps thicken the sauce. You can substitute it with double the amount of tomato sauce or use a few tablespoons of marinara or crushed tomatoes, but the flavor may be milder.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds savory flavor and helps cook the pasta right in the sauce. For more control over the saltiness, you can use low-sodium chicken broth, or substitute with vegetable or beef broth if needed.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Heavy whipping cream (also called heavy cream) adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy texture for the sauce. If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, or use whole milk with a bit of butter to mimic the creaminess.
- Red Pepper Flakes: The red pepper flakes (also called crushed red pepper) add a little spice and heat to the dish, hence the name of the recipe! It is easy to adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it.
- Pasta: I love cavatappi pasta for its spiral shape that holds onto all that delicious pasta in every bite! But, you can use the pasta you have on hand. Or, make homemade shaped pasta!
- Parmesan Cheese: I love the salty, cheesy finish from some parmesan cheese on top! Look for the fresh stuff to grate yourself if possible, it really does make a difference!
Can I Make This One Pot Pasta Dish Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make this spicy ground beef pasta ahead of time! To do so, cook the entire dish as directed, including cooking the pasta in the broth and sauce. Once it’s done, let it cool completely. Store the pasta and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the dish on the stove, adding a little extra broth or cream to bring back the creaminess. In fact, this dish is even tastier once the flavors have had time to come together while stored. It’s a great option for meal prep or busy nights when you want a flavorful meal ready to go!
Why You Will Love This One-Pot Spicy Ground Beef Pasta
This one-pot spicy ground beef pasta is everything you need for a quick, flavorful meal! It’s made with simple ingredients and cooked in one pot, which means less cleanup—always a win. The spicy kick from the red pepper flakes adds a nice level of heat, balanced by the creamy sauce and hearty pasta. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep or busy nights when you want a delicious meal ready to go! The flavors get even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. You’re going to love how easy and satisfying this dish is!
What To Serve With Ground Beef Pasta
While this spicy ground beef pasta is delicious and filling on its own, adding the right side dishes can make the meal even better! Here are some tasty options to complement your pasta:
- Garlic breadsticks
- Focaccia breadsticks
- Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls
- Toasted Baguette (Crostini)
- Garlic and Parmesan Roasted Asparagus or Parmesan Green Beans
- Parmesan Crusted Broccoli
How To Store and Reheat Leftover Spicy Ground Beef Pasta
To store leftover spicy ground beef pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, place the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture. Stir occasionally until heated through. If reheating in a microwave, be sure to stir every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Enjoy your leftovers as a quick, flavorful meal!
One Pot Spicy Ground Beef Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 3 cups (24 ounces / 720 g) chicken broth
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, or more or less to taste
- 16 ounces cavatappi pasta, uncooked
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated, for garnish
Instructions
- To a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef. Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until fully browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. If needed, drain excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the tomato paste, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Stir in the uncooked cavatappi pasta, making sure it's fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and parmesan. Serve hot.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This is so easy to make and so good! I kept going back for more!
Elizabeth
I love this pasta dish! It has the perfect amount of spice, and I thought the sauce was perfect, not too rich.
Stephanie
I love this pasta! It’s a little spicy, but the sauce is so creamy. I like the pasta shape too—it's fun to eat!
Annabelle
Great flavor and the creaminess balances the heat perfectly. I love how all the ingredients cook together in one pot.
Bella
I love a little spice in my food, so this is great for me! I love how easy it is to make, and it will fill you up!
