Remember that day when I wanted a quick yet satisfying meal that would fill the house with comforting aromas but wouldn’t keep me in the kitchen for too long. My mind wandered to the classic, go-to pasta dishes, but I was looking for something a bit more decadent and indulgent.
As I stared at the ingredients in my pantry, I realized I had all the essentials for a creamy, savory pasta that would rival any restaurant meal—without the hassle. And that’s when I stumbled upon the idea for this one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta. The dish instantly felt like a warm hug, with the buttery richness of garlic meeting the savory depth of beef.
Cooking it was a breeze, and the result was better than I could have imagined. I’ve made it a few times since, each time experimenting with different types of pasta or adjusting the seasoning just a little bit. It’s the kind of dish that always seems to hit the spot—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back Sunday.
Every bite feels like the ultimate comfort food, and honestly, the best part is that everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Short Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines tender beef, creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. All cooked together in one pot for ultimate convenience and rich flavor.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti works well)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Tools Needed
- Large pot
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Grater for Parmesan
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Begin by melting the butter over medium heat in a large pot. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally, letting the beef brown and cook through for about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Onion
Once the beef is browned, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are softened.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Now, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to ensure the beef and aromatics are evenly seasoned.
Step 4: Add Beef Broth and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the broth to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Once the broth has reduced, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is combined, and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the creamy sauce. If needed, add a little extra water or broth to help cover the pasta.
Cover the pot, and cook according to the pasta package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the pasta is cooked to tender perfection, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicious and Satisfying: The creamy sauce and savory beef make every bite a comforting indulgence.
One-Pot Convenience: No need to juggle multiple pots and pans—everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup simple.
Customizable: You can tweak the seasonings or swap pasta types to suit your tastes.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Pasta not cooking evenly
Solution: Ensure that the pasta is fully covered by the sauce as it cooks. Add a little more broth or water if necessary. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
The sauce is too thick or dry
Solution: If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
Overcooking the beef
Solution: Don’t overcook the beef in Step 1—just brown it until it’s cooked through. Overcooking it can lead to a dry texture.
Underseasoned dish
Solution: Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed before adding the pasta.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this creamy beef pasta on its own or with a side of garlic bread for extra indulgence.
Pair with a light green salad for balance or roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
A glass of red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti, complements the richness of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Allow any leftovers to cool before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a bit of beef broth or milk to revive the creamy sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce while cooking.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and sauce ahead of time, then cook the pasta and assemble it when ready to serve.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative to beef, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
While freezing the pasta is possible, the texture of the cream sauce may change upon reheating. If you plan to freeze, store the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready.
5. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or meatless crumbles. You can also use vegetable broth for extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks
If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after cooking the garlic and onions. Let it reduce before adding the broth.
For extra creaminess, stir in a bit of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
Add some spinach or kale for added greens—toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to the beef and garlic mixture for a spicy kick.
Mushroom and Beef Pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy depth of flavor.
Cheesy Garlic Butter Pasta: For an extra cheesy version, mix in more Parmesan or mozzarella cheese after the heavy cream for a gooey, cheesy texture.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a true game-changer for busy weeknights when you’re craving comfort food without the hassle. The rich, creamy sauce envelops every bite of pasta, while the tender beef adds a hearty depth of flavor that satisfies from the first forkful to the last.
Not only is it quick and easy, but it’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. It’s a perfect family meal that everyone will enjoy, and you can customize it to fit your own taste with a few simple adjustments. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s quickly becoming a go-to favorite.
One-Pot Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Pasta
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 or spaghetti works well
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Onion: Stir in minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and onions are softened.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly coat the beef and aromatics.
- Add Beef Broth and Simmer: Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to reduce the broth slightly.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Cook the Pasta: Add uncooked pasta, ensuring it's covered by the sauce. Add extra water or broth if needed. Cover and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
