One Pot Beef Pasta With Ricotta and Tomato Sauce
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One pot beef pasta with ricotta and tomato sauce is a cozy, family-friendly dinner made with tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta. It’s easy to cook in one pan for bold flavor and simple cleanup.
I’m always looking for dinner ideas that feel comforting but don’t leave me with a sink full of dishes, and this recipe checks all the boxes. On busy days, I want something hearty, filling, and familiar without needing extra steps or fancy techniques. This one pot beef pasta with ricotta and tomato sauce quickly became a go-to in my kitchen for exactly that reason.
I’ve made this on nights when I wanted a meal that felt homemade but didn’t require hovering over the stove. The beef cooks right in the pot, soaking up the tomato sauce, while the pasta absorbs all that flavor as it simmers. Adding ricotta at the end gives it a creamy, almost luxurious texture that makes it feel like comfort food without being heavy.
What I really love is how reliable this dish is, especially when cooking for family or guests. It’s the kind of meal everyone recognizes and enjoys, even picky eaters. Plus, knowing everything comes together in one pot makes it easier to relax and actually enjoy the cooking process instead of rushing through cleanup.
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make one pot beef pasta with ricotta and tomato sauce:
- Ground beef – Adds hearty flavor and protein, making the pasta filling and satisfying.
- Onion – Builds a savory base and adds natural sweetness as it cooks.
- Pasta – Acts as the main component of the dish, absorbing the sauce and flavors as it cooks.
- Marinara sauce – Provides rich tomato flavor and creates the foundation of the sauce.
- Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor with depth and aromatic richness.
- Chicken stock – Helps cook the pasta while adding more flavor than water alone.
- Whole milk ricotta – Adds creaminess and a mild richness that balances the tomato sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella – Melts into the pasta for a cheesy, comforting texture.
- Italian seasoning – Brings classic herb flavors that complement the beef and tomato sauce.
- Salt and pepper – Season the dish and enhance all the other flavors.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
Here are some easy, no-fuss ways to customize this recipe based on what you have or what you’re craving:
- Swap the protein – Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
- Add vegetables – Stir in spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and texture.
- Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes, chili oil, or spicy marinara for a little heat.
- Change the cheese – Try parmesan, provolone, or a ricotta–mozzarella blend for a different cheesy finish.
- Go creamier – Stir in a splash of cream or extra ricotta for a richer sauce.
- Use a different pasta shape – Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells work especially well.
- Add fresh herbs – Finish with basil or parsley for a fresh pop of flavor.
- Make it lighter – Use part-skim ricotta or reduce the cheese slightly while keeping the same great taste.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain the excess liquid.
Add the pasta, marinara sauce, salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, and broth. Stir to combine.
Increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a boil. Cover and simmer until the pasta is al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
Turn off the heat and add the ricotta and mozzarella.
Stir to combine.
Note
Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot and cooks evenly, while keeping enough liquid in the pan to let it absorb flavor and turn tender.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Stir occasionally as it heats so it warms evenly and doesn’t dry out.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Rest Before Serving!
Let the pasta rest for a few minutes after cooking so the sauce thickens naturally and clings better to the noodles.
More cooking tips:
- Brown the beef well before adding liquids to build deeper flavor.
- Stir from the bottom of the pot to prevent pasta from sticking or scorching.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, since the pasta absorbs salt as it cooks.
- Add ricotta off the heat to keep it creamy and smooth.
- Cover the pot loosely while simmering to help the pasta cook evenly without drying out.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is hearty enough to serve on its own, especially for busy weeknights when you want dinner to feel complete without extra work. I like to finish it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a little extra shredded mozzarella or grated parmesan on top. A drizzle of olive oil or a crack of black pepper right before serving also adds a nice final touch.
For a more balanced meal, I often pair it with a simple side dish that doesn’t compete with the flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette works well and helps cut through the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also great for soaking up any leftover sauce in the bowl.
When serving this for family or guests, I like to present it straight from the pot for a cozy, casual feel. It’s easy to set out extra toppings like red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or additional ricotta so everyone can customize their bowl. This makes the meal feel interactive while keeping things relaxed and low effort.
FAQs
Recipe
One Pot Beef Pasta With Ricotta and Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 16 ounces pasta
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 4 tablespoons minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1.5 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain the excess liquid.
- Add the pasta, marina sauce, salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, and broth. Stir to combine.
- Increase the heat to medium-high, bringing to mixture to a boil. Cover and simmer until the pasta is al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
- Turn off the heat and add the ricotta and mozzarella. Stir to combine.
