One-Pot Cheesy Beefy Cherry Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz cherry tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 9 oz dry pasta (The source gives a range of 8–10 oz; 9 oz is used for the nutrition estimate.)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup fresh Parmesan cheese (grated)
• fresh basil (chopped, for topping; amount to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.

2. 2

   Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

3. 3

   Add the ground beef. Break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until browned and no longer pink.

4. 4

   Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir thoroughly so the seasonings coat the beef.

5. 5

   Add the cherry tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to coat the tomatoes and beef, cooking for about 1–2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the tomatoes begin to soften.

6. 6

   Pour in the beef broth and stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.

7. 7

   Add the dry pasta and stir so it is mostly submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low.

8. 8

   Cook uncovered for the time indicated on the pasta package, usually about 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Continue until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

9. 9

   Add the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta.

10. 10

    Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

11. 11

    Serve immediately, topped with chopped fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

The source specifies 8–10 oz of dry pasta; using less pasta produces a saucier dish, while the full amount makes a thicker, more substantial meal. Stir often while the pasta cooks because the starch can cause the one-pot mixture to stick.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• one-pot
• pasta
• beef
• cheesy
• quick dinner
• 20-minute meal
• weeknight dinner