Welcome to a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl: the One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. This meal nails that perfect balance of rich, savory ground beef mingling with luscious, garlicky butter sauce and tender pasta, all married together in one pot for maximum comfort and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe will become your go-to for satisfying your cravings with ease and a touch of indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each component plays a special role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and color that turn simple pantry staples into something truly special.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor): Provides juicy, meaty richness and a perfect texture contrast with the creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds silky smoothness and that irresistible garlicky aroma that fills your kitchen.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with savory depth and a subtle spicy kick.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and layers of flavor as it softens.
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste): Creates the flavorful liquid base that cooks the pasta and enriches the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version): Makes the sauce wonderfully creamy and decadent.
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): Holds the sauce perfectly while providing pleasant chewiness.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Sprinkles of herbaceous notes that brighten the entire dish.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A dash of heat to awaken your palate if you like a bit of spice.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving): Melts into the sauce for that signature salty, nutty finish.
- Salt & black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances every other flavor.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh earthiness to each serving.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and browning your ground beef until it’s fully cooked and beautifully caramelized. This step creates the foundational meaty flavor that will carry the entire dish, so be sure not to rush it. After cooking, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce balanced and silky.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic in Butter
Next, add the butter to the pot with the beef. Once melted, toss in the diced onions, cooking them gently until they turn translucent and sweet—about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic, letting its fragrance bloom for another minute. This creates a lush flavor base that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and the heavy cream, stirring everything together as you bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Add your pasta, making sure it’s submerged fully to cook evenly. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood for a little heat. This step sets the stage for your pasta to absorb all that savory deliciousness.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the pasta simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the pasta reach perfect tenderness while the sauce thickens into a rich, creamy coating that hugs every noodle and morsel of beef.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked perfectly, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Watch as it melts into the sauce, transforming it into a silky, cheesy dream. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed—this is where you fine-tune the magic.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe by sprinkling fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top. Not only do these garnishes add a fresh pop of color, but they also round out the flavors beautifully. Serve it immediately while it’s warm and comforting.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it brightens up the dish with a fresh herbal note that cuts through some of the richness. Feel free to add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that savory punch. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add an understated fruitiness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pasta is quite filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. The contrast of fresh or roasted veggies adds an effortless freshness that balances the creamy heaviness of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in warmed shallow bowls to keep it comforting and cozy. You can also add a cracked egg on top for added protein and richness, or sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch that adds texture. These simple touches turn the dish into an elegant weeknight dinner or a treat for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal just as wonderful as the first. Just be sure to give it a thorough stir before reheating since the sauce firms up in the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, although the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after thawing. To freeze, transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to bring back as much of the original creaminess as possible.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the luscious sauce. Microwaving works, too—just stir it every minute or so to ensure even heating and avoid drying out. This way, you’ll enjoy that comforting creaminess all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shells work best because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. Just watch the cooking time as thicker or thinner pasta shapes might need a slight adjustment.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and choose chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter but still delicious sauce. You can also use leaner ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat without compromising flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe without garlic?
You could, but garlic really is the star that adds depth and warmth to the dish. If you’re avoiding it, consider substituting with shallots or a small pinch of garlic powder to keep some of that signature flavor.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat. If you prefer no spice, simply leave them out; the dish will still be beautifully flavorful and creamy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe centers on ground beef, you can make a vegetarian version by using plant-based meat substitutes or sautéed mushrooms for umami richness, and vegetable broth instead of beef broth. It won’t be the exact same, but it will still be deeply satisfying!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together easily and impresses everyone at the table, you absolutely must try the One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. It combines the ease of one-pot cooking with rich, hearty flavors that feel like a home-cooked hug. Prepare to fall in love with this dish, and keep it in your rotation for those nights when you want something both simple and spectacular.
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef, garlic butter, and creamy Parmesan sauce cooked together with tender pasta in a single pot. Perfect for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner, it balances rich creaminess with savory beef and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Meat and 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 and 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 & Seasoning
- 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, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat as needed to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté aromatics: Add butter to the pot with the beef. Once melted, add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the pasta, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Simmer: 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 thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish with cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and add extra Parmesan cheese for serving. Serve the pasta hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
- Use ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio for the best flavor and texture.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your spice preference or omitted.
- Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so adjust added salt carefully after adding cheese.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a refreshing contrast to the creamy, rich pasta.
