Easy One-Pot Rotini Pasta Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this delightful one-pot rotini pasta recipe! This dish perfectly blends tender rotini pasta with a rich, savory beef and tomato sauce. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle.

To learn more about this versatile pasta shape, you can explore the history and characteristics of rotini pasta.

Get ready for quick preparation, minimal cleanup, and incredible flavor that makes this one of the best rotini pasta recipes around.

Why You’ll Love This Rotini Pasta Recipe

You’ll quickly fall in love with this easy one-pot rotini pasta dish for so many reasons! It’s designed for simplicity and maximum flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

• One-Pot Convenience: Say goodbye to stacks of dishes. Everything cooks in a single pot! This one-pot convenience makes dinner a breeze.
• Quick 30-Minute Meal: From start to finish, this dish is ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Cheesy, Meaty Comfort: Enjoy a robust blend of seasoned ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and melted mozzarella.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this delicious rotini pasta recipe.
• Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this fantastic one-pot rotini pasta recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s comforting flavors.

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (see note)
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups uncooked rotini pasta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Pepper (optional, to taste)
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil (optional, for serving)

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adjust several ingredients in this one-pot rotini pasta recipe to fit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to minimize excess fat. A fattier option works too; just drain any extra grease after browning for a lighter dish.
• Tomato Paste: This ingredient is key for a concentrated, rich tomato flavor that deepens the sauce. Don’t skip it!
• Garlic & Onion Powder: These provide a consistent background flavor. Fresh minced garlic and diced onion can replace the powders if you prefer; just sauté them with the beef.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a smoother, more palatable sauce.
• Dried Herbs: Italian seasoning and oregano offer classic savory notes. Feel free to adjust quantities or use other herbs like thyme.
• Salt: Start with 1/2 teaspoon and taste before adding more. Broth can vary in sodium content.
• Crushed Red Pepper: This is completely optional. Add a pinch for a subtle warmth, or more for a spicier kick.
• Beef Broth: This liquid is essential for cooking the pasta and forming the sauce. Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted if needed, though beef broth adds a deeper flavor.
• Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape perfectly captures the sauce. Any short pasta like penne, shells, or farfalle will work, but cooking times may vary slightly.
• Mozzarella: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully for that classic cheesy pull. Cheddar or provolone are also delicious alternatives.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this straightforward one-pot rotini pasta recipe. Keeping it simple is key!

• A large soup pot or Dutch oven (at least 5-quart capacity)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A sturdy wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• A garlic press (optional, for mincing garlic)
• A meat masher (optional, for breaking up ground beef)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and easy one-pot rotini pasta recipe. This method ensures minimal cleanup and maximum flavor with every twist of the rotini.

1. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to your soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook it until just browned, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. This typically takes about 7-8 minutes. Spoon out any excess fat if necessary to ensure a leaner dish.
2. Stir in Tomato Paste & Garlic: Reduce the heat slightly. Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic with the beef, cooking for about one minute until fragrant. This helps to deepen the tomato flavor.
3. Add Dry Seasonings: Stir in the onion powder, sugar, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the spices to become aromatic.
4. Pour in Liquids: Add the beef broth and crushed tomatoes to the pot. Increase the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
5. Add Pasta & Cook: Once boiling, stir in the uncooked rotini pasta. Cook uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will need to turn the heat down at some point to maintain a constant simmer (medium or even medium-low). The goal is for the liquid to bubble steadily without boiling too aggressively, ensuring the rotini cooks evenly.
6. Melt Mozzarella: Turn the burner off but leave the pot on the warm stovetop. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the pasta. Close the lid for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and for more of the liquid to absorb into the pasta.
7. Toss and Season: Gently toss the pasta mixture so the melted mozzarella is stirred throughout. Taste and season with additional pepper and extra salt if needed. Serve your delicious one-pot rotini pasta recipe immediately.
8. Garnish: For an extra touch, serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Pro Tips for Perfect One-Pot Rotini

Achieve the best results with your one-pot rotini pasta by following these expert tips. They help ensure perfect texture and flavor every time.

• Adjust Liquid: Pasta can absorb liquid differently. If your pasta seems too dry during cooking, add a splash more beef broth, a quarter cup at a time, until the consistency is right.
• Adjust Cook Time: Always cook the rotini pasta to al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Check a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to avoid overcooking. Understanding the science of cooking pasta al dente can elevate your culinary skills.
• Control Simmer: Maintain a gentle simmer, not a vigorous boil, once the pasta is added. This prevents scorching the bottom and helps the pasta cook evenly without breaking down.
• Seasoning is Key: Always taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or even a pinch more sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Mushy pasta is no fun. Keep an eye on it and remove the pot from heat as soon as it reaches al dente.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This one-pot rotini pasta recipe is versatile enough for any meal, and leftovers are just as delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty rotini pasta dish with a few simple sides for a complete meal.

• Serve alongside warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• A light and crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast.
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make excellent healthy additions.
• Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil for enhanced flavor.

Storage Tips

Proper storage keeps your rotini pasta fresh and tasty for future meals.

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover rotini pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Duration: It’s best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish as the pasta can become mushy upon thawing and reheating.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your one-pot rotini pasta! These variations can change the flavor profile and add new textures.

• Meat Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a combination.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach at the end, or sauté diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the beef.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with other melty cheeses like shredded cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Pasta Shapes: While rotini is great, feel free to use other short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, cavatappi, or medium shells.
• Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for more heat.

Nutrition Information

This estimated nutrition information is provided for convenience. Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and exact quantities of ingredients used in your rotini pasta recipes.

Disclaimer: These values are approximations and should not be considered professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does this recipe take to make?

This one-pot rotini pasta recipe is incredibly quick, taking approximately 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time. You can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes total.

Can I use other pasta shapes like penne or shells?

Absolutely! While rotini pasta is fantastic, you can easily substitute other short pasta shapes like penne, medium shells, or farfalle. Just note that the cooking time might vary slightly depending on the pasta’s size and thickness.

Can this be made vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a delicious vegetarian version of this rotini pasta dish. Simply omit the ground beef and beef broth, replacing the latter with vegetable broth. You can also add plant-based ground “meat” crumbles or extra vegetables.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

To prevent mushy pasta, cook it only until al dente. Begin checking the pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time, and maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Turn off the heat as soon as it’s perfectly tender.

Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?

While this recipe is designed for a quick stovetop meal, a slow cooker might alter the texture of the rotini pasta. The pasta could become overcooked or absorb too much liquid during a long, slow cooking process.

Conclusion

This easy one-pot rotini pasta recipe is a true weeknight hero, delivering incredible flavor and hearty satisfaction with minimal effort. Its one-pot simplicity means less time cleaning and more time enjoying a delicious meal with your loved ones. We encourage you to try this fantastic take on rotini pasta recipes soon. If you love it, please share your thoughts and consider leaving a rating!