This one pot beef mince pasta is a quick and comforting weeknight dinner made with simple pantry staples. Everything cooks together in one pot for minimal clean up, and the result is a creamy, savoury pasta packed with flavour. This easy recipe is perfect for when you need dinner on the table in around 30 minutes!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ really easy and tasty – dianne
For more easy one pot pasta recipes, try this one pot creamy tomato chicken pasta, or this popular one pot Cajun chicken pasta next.
This is the kind of recipe I love sharing because it’s a true snapshot of how I actually cook in this busy world, rather than just in my job as a food creator. This is a recipe that was born from a feeling of being cold and tired one afternoon and really wanting something cosy and comforting. Based on the ingredients in my house, this is the recipe that came together.
I had a hard time working out what it should be called. I think it’s very similar to the American family favourite hamburger helper, or cheeseburger casserole. Having not had either of these meals, all I can say is that it’s kind of like bolognese but without the tomato, and it only takes 30 minutes to make.
It’s rich, creamy, savoury and basically just insanely comforting. It’s the perfect midweek meal as it contains minimal ingredients meaning you very well may have everything you need already on hand.
It’s also perfect for the fussy eaters in the house, and you can definitely just serve it straight up in the centre of the table with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad and let everyone dig in and help themselves!
Key Ingredients
As I said, this one pot pasta recipe came together with simple ingredients that I tend to keep on hand most weeks, so you should be able to easily gather everything you need to put this together even when you’re really not feeling it.
Note all ingredients and their quantities are laid out in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Beef mince – also known as ground beef in other parts of the world. I am keeping things budget-friendly and using regular 80/20 mince that I buy in bulk but a lean mince will also work for this recipe so use what you like.
- Onion and garlic – builds the foundation of the pasta dish to add depth to the overall flavour of the dish.
- Tomato paste – adds depth and richness to the pasta.
- Italian herbs – you can use any combination of dried herbs that you like to season the pasta.
- Small pasta – for this recipe you want to use a small pasta shape such as shells, spirals, elbows or even macaroni.
- Dairy free milk – cooking the pasta with some dairy free milk helps to give it a smooth and creamy finish. I always use oat milk, but almond milk or soy milk will also work.
- Beef stock pod – just like in my one pot sausage casserole, I love to use the continental brand stock pod as I find they have so much flavour and are a great thing to have in the pantry to add extra flavour to any meal. Just add the pod directly to the pot with some water, otherwise you can substitute with any beef stock you like.
- Dairy free cheese – adding some cheese at the end just makes this recipe next level comforting and creamy but it’s completely optional and the pasta still tastes delicious without it. Use one you like and know melts, or if you’re not dairy free you can use a lactose free cheese or regular cheese instead.
If you want more options with beef mince, you’ll love my collection of dairy free beef mince recipes.
Step-By-Step Instructions
You’ll need to start with your pot. You can use either a cast iron dutch oven or a french casserole pan like I am using. You’ll want to make sure it has a lid.
Step 1: Heat the oil in the base of your pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for a few minutes until it’s softened. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned. The beef will release a lot of liquid as it cooks, so keep going until it’s all evaporated, as that’s what gives you the best flavour.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and dried herbs, then season with salt and pepper. Give it a good mix and cook for another minute or so to let the tomato paste darken slightly.
Step 4: Add the pasta along with the dairy free milk and the beef stock and give everything a good mix.
Step 5: Cover with the lid on and let the pasta cook, absorbing the liquid, for around 15 minutes. Make sure to check and give it a stir a few times so the bottom doesn’t catch. Cook until the pasta is al dente.
Step 6: Once the pasta is cooked, mix through the dairy free cheese (if using) until it’s melted and creamy. Top with some chopped fresh parsley and serve into bowls.
💡Note: The total cooking time will depend on the specific pasta so just keep an eye on it and cook until the pasta is al dente. If the pasta has absorbed all the liquid before it’s cooked, just add in some more water.
Sally’s Tips!
- Keep the heat at a gentle simmer, not a hard boil, and stir occasionally (not constantly) so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- For a richer flavour, make sure you fully brown the mince and darken the tomato paste, and taste and season well at the end. Also make sure to use a good quality beef stock.
- If the liquid is absorbing too fast, add a splash of water or stock as needed until the pasta is cooked.
Storage and Meal Prep Instructions
To store any leftovers, first allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or dairy free milk to bring back some of the creamy texture to the sauce.
If you’re making this specifically for meal prep, I recommend slightly undercooking the pasta so that it doesn’t go too soft when reheating.
You can freeze this pasta, however the texture of the pasta can change and get a bit soft when reheated which some people don’t like. If you don’t mind, you can freeze portions in a container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as above.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, this recipe is flexible based on what you have. Try to use short pasta shapes like penne, macaroni or spirals. Keep in mind that different shapes may need slightly more or less cooking time and liquid, so keep an eye on it and adjust as needed.
Yes, just use your favourite gluten free pasta instead. Just note that some gluten free pastas cook faster and may need less liquid than regular pasta so keep an eye on it as it cooks, and be sure to stir gently to prevent the pasta breaking.
No, the dairy free cheese is completely optional. It adds a creamy, cheesy flavour, but the dish is still delicious without it.
If you do make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below! And tag any of your creations on Instagram with @eightforestlane as I would love to see.
More easy recipes with beef mince:
Korean Beef Bowls (Quick and Easy!)
Hot Honey Sweet Potato Beef Bowl (Viral TikTok Recipe!)
20 Minute Chilli Beef Noodles
Taco Bowls
One Pot Beef Mince Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 brown onion/yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 500 grams (1 lb) beef mince/ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs/Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 200 grams small pasta such as shells
- 250 ml (1 cup) dairy free milk such as oat or almond milk
- 375 ml (1 ½ cups) beef stock or use 1 beef stock pot with 1½ cups water (see notes)
- ½ cup shredded dairy free cheese optional
- Fresh parsley chopped, to serve
Instructions
- Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, heavy-based pot over medium heat. Add the 1 brown onion/yellow onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the 2 cloves garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the 500 grams beef mince/ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and any liquid has evaporated.
- Stir through the 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon Italian herbs/Italian seasoning, and Salt and pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the mixture is fragrant and dark in colour.
- Add the 200 grams small pasta, 250 ml dairy free milk, and 375 ml beef stock. Mix well to combine.
- Cover with a lid and cook for around 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. Add a splash of water if it is getting too dry before the pasta is cooked.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir through the ½ cup shredded dairy free cheese, if using, until melted and creamy. Top with chopped Fresh parsley and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a guide only and is calculated using automated online tools, therefore we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We encourage you to make your own calculations based on the actual ingredients used in your recipe.
Caitlin says
It was an easy meal to bring together when I was time poor and wanting to get out the door for kids activities. I wanted to love it but I found the flavour a bit bland (even though I used stock instead of any water), so ended up adding more tomato paste, salt and other seasonings. I also had trouble stopping the bottom of the pan from catching and in stirring so much broke up the pasta. Time = winner though, and the kids loved it.
Dianne says
Really easy and tasty
Sally says
Glad you enjoyed this one Dianne!
Simoné says
Love it ! I substituted dairy free for actual dairy
Sally says
Glad you enjoyed it!