If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and remarkably easy dinner, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is exactly what your weeknight needs. Imagine tender ground beef cooked perfectly with fragrant garlic and onions, all mingling in a luscious, buttery cream sauce that’s infused with Italian herbs and topped off with savory Parmesan cheese. The best part? Everything comes together in a single pot, saving you time on cleanup while delivering a meal that feels indulgent without any fuss. It’s the kind of recipe that turns mundane evenings into cozy celebrations of flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet crucial for building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe such a standout. Each one plays its part in crafting a perfectly balanced dish that’s hearty, creamy, and oh-so satisfying.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base, bringing a rich, meaty flavor and satisfying protein to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds luscious creaminess and a silky texture that elevates the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Gives aromatic pungency and warmth that infuses the entire recipe.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Provides natural sweetness and depth when sautéed until translucent.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that brighten and complement the savory elements.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates a flavorful liquid to cook the pasta and amplify beefy goodness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings velvety richness to the sauce, making it irresistibly creamy.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni): The perfect shape to soak up the sauce and add body to the meal.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that deepens the sauce’s savoriness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): A pop of color and fresh herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Break it up gently with a spoon as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. This step builds a savory foundation packed with meaty flavor that makes the dish so comforting.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Sauté Aromatics
Once the beef is browned, carefully drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming too oily. Add the butter straight into the same pot, letting it melt and coat the beef. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking them until the onion turns translucent and the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant—this creates a flavor base that’s simply irresistible.
Step 3: Infuse with Italian Seasoning
Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning and stir it around for about a minute. This blends in those classic herbal notes that make the dish feel authentically Italian, lifting the flavors without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta of choice—penne or rigatoni work beautifully here as they hold onto the creamy sauce in all the right ways. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks, until the pasta is tender and the broth has mostly absorbed.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Now comes the indulgent part: stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture cook for a few more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a dreamy, silky coating for the pasta and beef. Finish with salt and pepper to your taste, making sure every bite sings with balanced seasoning.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top if you like a little herbal brightness and a splash of vibrant green. Serve this silky, savory masterpiece hot from the pot, and prepare to be amazed at how something so simple tastes so incredibly satisfying.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cream sauce. Consider a light grating of extra Parmesan for guests who love a cheesier touch, or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for those who appreciate a gentle kick of heat.
Side Dishes
This dish is a hearty meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with something crisp and fresh like a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus make for vibrant, healthful accompaniments that balance the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve it straight from the pot with a sprinkle of parmesan and parsley right on top for a rustic look. For a dinner party, plate the pasta neatly in individual bowls and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few fresh herb leaves for elegance and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers a delicious second dinner or lunch.
Freezing
While freezing cream-based pasta dishes is generally not ideal due to texture changes, you can freeze this dish if necessary. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, though the best experience is fresh from the stove.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to keep the sauce creamy and smooth. Avoid microwaving without extra liquid as it may dry out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni are recommended because they hold the creamy sauce well, you can use any short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or even shells. Just keep the cooking time in mind as it may vary slightly.
Is ground beef necessary, or can I substitute another protein?
Ground beef delivers a rich, beefy flavor key to this recipe, but you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles. Adjust seasoning accordingly as different proteins have varying flavors and moisture levels.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the butter for a dairy-free margarine or olive oil, use coconut cream or a cashew-based cream substitute, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.
What if I want a spicier version of this dish?
Easy to achieve! Add crushed red pepper flakes during the garlic and onion sauté or stir in a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce when adding the cream and cheese. Fresh chili slices also work wonderfully if you want fresh heat.
Can I prepare part of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can brown and season the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, simply finish the rest of the steps, which keeps the cooking process quick and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a go-to meal that’s both comforting and effortlessly delicious, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is a game changer. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something that feels special but doesn’t require a mountain of dishes or complicated steps. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again—it’s that kind of home-cooked comfort that never fails to satisfy.
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: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned with aromatic garlic and onions, then simmered with pasta in a rich mixture of beef broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this hearty dish combines creamy textures and savory flavors in a single pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Melt the butter: Remove any excess grease from the cooked beef, then add the butter to the pot and let it melt over medium heat to infuse flavor.
- Sauté garlic and onion: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic releases its fragrance.
- Add Italian seasoning: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and cook for another minute to toast the herbs and deepen their flavor.
- Cook pasta in broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta, reduce the 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.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired, and serve the pasta hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use ground beef with moderate fat content (around 80/20) for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning as needed after adding the cream and cheese to balance saltiness.
- Substitute penne or rigatoni with any sturdy pasta that holds sauce well, such as fusilli or farfalle.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though sauce creaminess will be slightly reduced.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
