One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory beef, rich garlic butter, and creamy pasta in one easy-to-make dish. With the convenience of cooking everything in one pot, this dish is both flavorful and low-effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal. The creamy sauce envelops the pasta perfectly, while the garlic butter and beef add depth and richness.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a deliciously indulgent dish that brings together all your favorite flavors in a single pot. The garlic butter sauce gives it a rich and aromatic base, while the beef adds protein and heartiness to the meal. The best part? It’s cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! This creamy, savory pasta is perfect for feeding a family, and it’s customizable to suit your taste with additional seasonings or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 12 oz pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

2. Sauté the garlic and onion: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is soft.

3. Add the pasta: Add the pasta to the pot and stir to coat it with the garlic butter mixture. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

4. Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese has melted.

5. Combine the beef and pasta: Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot, stirring to combine everything. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20-25 minutes

• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but the dish will still be delicious.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, rotini, or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or another dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese in place of Parmesan.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, you can sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you sauté the garlic and onion.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the garlic and onion.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or broth if the sauce has thickened.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the pasta, but the sauce may change slightly in texture once reheated. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding extra cream or broth to adjust the consistency.

8. How do I know when the pasta is done?

The pasta should be al dente, which means it’s cooked through but still firm to the bite. Stir it occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

9. Can I add more cheese to the sauce?

Yes, you can add more Parmesan or even mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. Just stir it in when you add the cream.

10. How can I make this dish lighter?

To make this dish lighter, you can use a leaner ground meat (like ground turkey or chicken), swap the heavy cream for a lighter milk option (such as skim milk), and reduce the amount of butter or use a healthier oil like olive oil.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect comforting dish that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. The combination of savory beef, creamy garlic butter sauce, and tender pasta creates a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With minimal ingredients and just one pot, this recipe is as convenient as it is delicious. Try it tonight for a satisfying dinner that will quickly become a favorite!