If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines hearty ground beef with luscious garlic butter and a dreamy creamy sauce all swirling through perfectly cooked pasta, making it a fuss-free meal without sacrificing flavor. What makes it truly special is that everything cooks in one pot, keeping it simple in the kitchen and rich in taste, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a delicious, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to give the One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe its irresistible flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from the juicy ground beef to the fresh garlic that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 lb ground beef: The protein-packed base that adds rich, savory depth to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps sauté the aromatics beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings fragrant, pungent notes brightening up every bite.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and texture, creating a flavor foundation.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A perfect herb mix that infuses the pasta with Mediterranean warmth.
- 2 cups beef broth: Enhances the beefy taste and keeps the pasta moist as it cooks.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into a velvety, rich coating for the pasta.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni): Sturdy shapes that hold onto the creamy sauce deliciously.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to balance and elevate the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick and creamy consistency.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness finishing the dish.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating your large pot over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s wonderfully browned. Breaking it into small pieces while cooking helps it cook evenly and develop that perfect savory bite. This step creates the meaty backbone of the dish that flavors everything to come.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Once you’ve drained any excess fat, it’s time to melt that butter right in the same pot. The butter adds a silkiness that will marry beautifully with garlic and onion, building layers of flavor at this early stage.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Onion
Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion to your pot, then sauté for 2-3 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and the garlic to release its irresistible aroma. This step fills your kitchen with the promise of a delicious meal.
Step 4: Add Italian Seasoning
Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and stir for another minute. This simple addition transports your pasta right to the Mediterranean, infusing herbs like oregano and basil for that classic Italian flair.
Step 5: Cook Pasta in Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a boil, then add the pasta. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently so the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs all those flavorful juices. This one-pot method means no boiling pasta separately and less mess overall.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Finally, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens into a velvety, creamy coating. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste, making sure every bite delivers a rich, satisfying experience.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish your masterpiece with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like a touch of color and herbal brightness. Serve it hot to enjoy all the luscious flavors at their peak.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish adding a vibrant green contrast and a fresh, herby brightness to the creamy pasta. For an extra touch, grated Parmesan on the table invites everyone to customize their plate with added cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, cutting through the creaminess to refresh your palate. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a parsley sprig on top. You could also try layering it in a clear glass casserole for a rustic, inviting look that shows off those creamy layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this pasta is so creamy, it’s best to consume it soon to enjoy the sauce at its freshest.
Freezing
You can freeze the One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-friendly containers, but keep in mind that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly once thawed.
Reheating
When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir well to bring back its luscious consistency and heat through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni work great because they hold the sauce well, feel free to try fusilli, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni depending on your pantry stock.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swapping out butter for olive oil and using a dairy-free cream alternative can work. Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese substitute to keep the creamy texture without dairy.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning or stir in some sliced fresh chili peppers when sautéing the garlic and onion for a nice kick.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini work wonderfully. Add them when sautéing the onions so they soften and blend into the sauce.
What is the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the pasta frequently while it cooks in the broth. This helps separate the pieces and ensures they cook evenly without sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is a true champion of easy, comforting meals. It’s quick enough for hectic days but flavorful enough to make any dinner feel special. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become one of your go-to dishes when you want something rich, satisfying, and utterly delicious with minimal effort. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish featuring ground beef simmered with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines tender pasta cooked right in the flavorful beef broth and cream mixture for an easy and delicious all-in-one meal.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Pantry Items
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon for even cooking.
- Drain excess grease and melt butter: Remove any excess grease from the pot, then add the butter and let it melt over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté garlic and onion: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma.
- Add Italian seasoning: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavors.
- Simmer beef broth and cook pasta: Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta to the pot, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Incorporate cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish if desired, then serve the pasta hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For best results, use penne or rigatoni pasta as they hold sauces well.
- To reduce fat, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice brightness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking pasta to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste.
