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
Scale
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.
