One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce combined with savory ground beef and perfectly cooked pasta. This versatile and quick dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and requires only one pot, which means less cleanup and more enjoyment!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a complete meal in one pot—tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce. The garlic butter sauce is flavorful but not overwhelming, and the Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth that ties everything together. Whether you use penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or spaghetti, this recipe can be customized to your favorite pasta shape. It’s quick, comforting, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup beef broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, rigatoni, spaghetti, or your preferred shape)

• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

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

Directions

Cook the Beef:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Garlic and Onion:

2. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pot, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Season:

3. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing to combine.

Add Beef Broth:

4. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Make the Sauce:

5. Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. Let the sauce thicken and become creamy, about 3-4 minutes.

Cook the Pasta:

6. Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it is covered by the sauce. If needed, add extra water or broth to ensure the pasta is fully submerged.

7. Cover the pot and cook the pasta according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a little more water or broth as needed.

Serve:

8. Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Calories per serving: 580 kcal

Variations

• Add vegetables: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for a little heat.

• Cheese mix: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

• Make it lighter: Use lean ground turkey or chicken and swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you use.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine it with the pre-cooked beef sauce.

3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just be sure to season it well to enhance the flavor.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Parmesan is the best choice for a creamy, savory flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste and texture.

5. How do I make sure the pasta doesn’t get mushy?

Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to ensure it doesn’t stick, and make sure you follow the recommended cooking time for the specific type of pasta you use. If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit more broth or water to help the pasta cook evenly.

6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Use a plant-based protein or lentils in place of the ground beef, and make sure to use a dairy-free cream and cheese substitute to make it vegetarian or vegan.

7. How can I make this spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture to give it some extra heat.

8. Can I make this recipe in advance and freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce and beef mixture, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh before serving. Store the beef sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

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

The pasta is done when it’s tender and the sauce has been absorbed. You can test the pasta by tasting it for doneness, or use a toothpick to check if it’s cooked through.

10. Can I use regular milk instead of heavy cream?

You can use regular milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less creamy. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little bit of flour to the milk to help thicken it.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner that’s packed with flavor. The creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef make it a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy. Plus, the one-pot method means minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight. Try this dish tonight for a comforting meal your whole family will love!

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