---
title: 'Simple One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe: Perfect for Weeknights'
source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=afM7gVxT-Q8'
video_id: 'afM7gVxT-Q8'
date: 2026-08-18
duration_sec: 489
channel: 'Essen Recipes'
---

# Simple One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe: Perfect for Weeknights

> Source: [Simple One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe: Perfect for Weeknights](https://youtube.com/watch?v=afM7gVxT-Q8)

## Summary

This video presents two quick and easy one-pot ground beef pasta recipes perfect for weeknight dinners. The first is a creamy penne pasta with Italian herbs, and the second is a tomato-based pasta with Dijon mustard and whipped cream. Both recipes are demonstrated step-by-step with clear instructions and optional ingredients.

### Key Points

- **First Recipe: Creamy Penne Pasta** [00:00] — Start by frying 1 lb (450 g) ground beef in 1 tbsp butter for about 4 minutes until browned. Then add finely chopped onion and cook for a minute, followed by 2 garlic cloves and 1 tsp butter, frying until fragrant.
- **Seasoning and Liquid** [01:47] — Season the beef with salt, black pepper, 1 tsp Italian herbs, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Add 3 1/2 cups (820 ml) chicken stock, bring to a boil, and add 2 cups (250 g) penne pasta. Simmer for about 10 minutes until al dente.
- **Finishing the First Recipe** [03:12] — Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream and simmer for another minute. Turn off the heat, sprinkle with mozzarella, cover for 1 minute to melt, and garnish with parsley or chives.
- **Second Recipe: Tomato-Based Pasta** [04:35] — Fry 1/2 medium onion in 2 tbsp olive oil for 4-5 minutes, then add 2 garlic cloves. Add 450 g (1 lb) extra lean ground beef and cook for 8 minutes, spooning away excess fat.
- **Second Recipe: Sauce and Finish** [05:55] — Season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp olive oil. Cook pasta al dente. Add 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard and 450 g (2 cups) tomato sauce, simmer for 4-5 minutes. Stir in 120 ml (1/2 cup) whipped cream and cook for another 3 minutes. Garnish with basil and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

### Conclusion

Both recipes are simple, quick, and delicious, making them ideal for busy weeknights. The video emphasizes minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, with optional ingredients to customize each dish.

## Transcript

1 tbsp butter. 1 lb (450 g) ground beef.
fry for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
Meanwhile, finely chop 1/2 of a large onion or 1 small onion.
Add the chopped onion to the pan. Stir well and let it cook for a minute.
add 2 garlic cloves. Watch till the end — this video has 2 ground beef recipes, and the second one was loved by millions (7M views!).
add 1 tsp of butter. Let the garlic fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Season with salt and black pepper.
1 tsp Italian herbs. 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or chili flakes (optional).
3 1/2 cups (820 ml) chicken stock or broth. Bring to a boil and add 2 cups (250 g) penne pasta or any pasta of your choice.
Simmer for about 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream and let it simmer for another minute, just until everything comes together in a rich, silky sauce.
Turn off the heat and sprinkle over some grated mozzarella cheese, if using.
Cover the pan for 1 minute to let it melt! Parsley or chives (optional).
Voilà - dinner is ready! Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious 😋. Stick around — the next recipe in this video got 7 million views for a reason!
mm...delicious 😋. 1/2 medium onion.
2 tbsp olive oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes over medium heat.
2 cloves of garlic.
450 g (1 pound) extra lean ground beef. Cook for 8 minutes.
Spoon away any excess fat if there is a lot of it. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Cook al dente according to the instructions on the packet. 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
450 g (2 cups) tomato sauce.
Let simmer for 4-5 minutes.
120 ml (1/2 cup) whipped cream. cook another 3 minutes.
Basil (optional).
Parmigiano-Reggiano 🧀 (optional, but highly recommended).
mm ... delicious. Have a delicious day!