If you’re craving comforting, rich, and utterly satisfying flavors all in one pot, I have the perfect recipe for you: the One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. This dish brings together tender ground beef, luscious garlic butter, and perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s incredibly straightforward to make, yet feels so indulgent and special—ideal for busy weeknights when you want something warm and homemade without lots of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor, texture, and color. Each component adds something essential—whether it’s the savory depth from the ground beef, the richness of the butter and cream, or the fresh brightness from parsley. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor): Provides hearty, juicy meatiness and a satisfying texture.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory punch that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste): Forms the flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version): Creates that luscious creaminess that coats every bite.
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): Perfect shapes for holding onto that creamy sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Adds an herby, aromatic lift perfect for pasta dishes.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces a pleasant kick if you like a bit of heat.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving): Melts into the sauce for cheesy perfection.
- Salt & black pepper to taste: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s fully browned. This step is all about building flavor through caramelization, so make sure your beef gets a nice golden color. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy but retain enough for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic in Butter
Add butter directly to the pot with the beef, allowing it to melt and blend with those meaty juices. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until translucent—this sweetness is crucial for depth. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about a minute, making sure not to burn it as that would turn bitter.
Step 3: Add Broth, Cream, and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Submerge the pasta in the simmering liquid and season everything with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. This is where all the ingredients start melding into one luxurious sauce.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Cover the pot and let the pasta cook on medium-low heat for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You’ll notice the sauce thickening beautifully as the pasta absorbs the liquid, turning into a creamy coating.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, because every great dish needs that perfect seasoning balance.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for that fresh, cheesy pop. Serve this dish steaming hot for maximum comfort and delight.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond fresh parsley and Parmesan, you can elevate the dish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for spice, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for silkiness, or even some toasted pine nuts for crunch. These little touches can make each serving feel a bit more special.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, bright salads like a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are also excellent to mop up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, topped with a sprig of parsley and a Parmesan crisp. This makes your One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe feel restaurant-worthy and invites a little celebration at the dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together overnight, making the next-day meal just as delicious—if not more so!
Freezing
While creamy pasta dishes can sometimes be tricky to freeze because the texture may change slightly, this one does freeze okay if you plan to eat it within a month. Use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of broth or cream will help refresh the sauce’s creaminess, preventing it from becoming too thick or dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option, though you may want to add a bit more seasoning to boost flavor since these meats are milder than beef.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Penne, rotini, or shells are ideal because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. However, other short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle will also work great.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy note without dairy.
Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Yes! The recipe calls for red pepper flakes as optional, but you can increase the amount or add a dash of hot sauce to suit your heat preference perfectly.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time and reheat it?
Definitely! This dish stores well and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prepping or planning ahead for busy weekdays.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe the One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves rich, comforting, yet simple weeknight meals. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Give it a try soon—you’ll be so glad you did!
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One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make meal combining savory ground beef, aromatic garlic butter, tender pasta, and a rich creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish cooks everything in a single pot to deliver maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat & Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Liquids
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste)
Pasta & Seasonings
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness in the final dish.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add butter to the pot with the browned beef. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the pasta, making sure it is fully submerged. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer the Pasta: Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve the pasta hot for a rich and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
- Use pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells for best sauce adherence.
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent greasy taste.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted to control heat.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
