This one-pot creamy paprika beef pasta is hearty, ready in no time, and made for comfort cravings. It’s the kind of dinner that makes weeknights a lot easier.
This is one of those dinners that delivers big comfort without turning into a whole kitchen situation. Everything cooks in one pot, so the pasta soaks up all that paprika-spiced beefy flavor while the sauce turns rich and glossy on its own.
It’s hearty, creamy, and exactly the kind of meal that gets requested again fast. We make this on nights when we want something filling and low effort, and if you want to sneak in a few vegetables, this sauce can handle it beautifully.
For another one-pot meal, try my Chicken gnocchi or this Creamy Marry me beef pasta next.
Watch the recipe video
Let me walk you through it in my easy step-by-step video, or follow along on YouTube!
Ingredients
I love to lean on this recipe when I want a dinner that’s easy but still feels properly satisfying. I start with ground beef and season it with oregano, sweet and smoked paprika, black pepper, and chili flakes, then add onion and garlic for the base.
Tomato paste and tamarind go in next. I like letting them cook for a minute or two because it deepens the flavor and gives the sauce a little extra edge. Then in goes the pasta with puréed tomatoes, cream, and beef broth. As it cooks, the starch helps bring everything together into a silky sauce. A handful of parsley and Parmesan at the end finishes it off.
Recipe tips and variations
- I used penne, but any short pasta works well here.
- For a lighter version, use whole milk instead of cream.
- You can also swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if that’s what you have.
- If you want to bulk it out, add peas, corn, spinach, bell pepper, grated carrots, zucchini, or a handful of diced tomatoes.
Serving tips
I like serving this with a simple leafy salad dressed with avocado oil and balsamic vinegar. Something fresh on the side works really well with the creamy sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
One-Pot Creamy Paprika Beef Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.3 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 tsp chili flakes - less or more to taste
- 1 yellow onion - diced
- 4 garlic cloves - minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp tamarind - or soy sauce
- 2 cups puréed tomatoes - or passata
- ¾ cup light cream - like cooking cream, or heavy milk
- 2 ¾ cups penne
- 2 ½ cups low sodium beef broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley - chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces. Stir in the oregano, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, chili flakes, and black pepper.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and tamarind, then cook for 3 minutes more.
- Pour in the puréed tomatoes and cream. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and beef broth, then lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir often to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the parsley and Parmesan. Taste and add salt if needed. Serve right away. Enjoy!
Video
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