One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a creamy pasta dish after a long day. One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta brings together rich, savory ground beef, velvety garlic butter sauce, and pasta into a one-pan meal that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The beauty of this dish is its simplicityusing ingredients that are often already in your pantry, it transforms into something decadent and indulgent in under 30 minutes.

I first tried this recipe on a hectic weeknight when I was craving something hearty but didn’t have much time to spare. What started as a quick dinner idea turned into a family favorite. The creamy sauce coats each piece of pasta perfectly, and the ground beef adds a satisfying depth of flavor that makes you want more with every bite. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, so you can enjoy your meal without worrying about a mountain of dishes.

This recipe is a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even for meal prep. The balance of savory, creamy, and slightly garlicky flavors makes this a comforting meal that appeals to everyone. Plus, it’s so easy to customize, meaning it can become your go-to dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family, a few friends, or just yourself, this dish is sure to bring smiles around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve been on the lookout for a quick and easy dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is exactly what you need. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Simple Ingredients – With basic ingredients like ground beef, pasta, garlic, butter, and Parmesan, this dish is a pantry-friendly meal that you can make anytime.
• One-Pot Convenience – Forget about the hassle of washing multiple pots and pans. This meal is made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Rich & Creamy – The combination of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety, indulgent sauce that’s irresistible.
• Family-Friendly – Whether you have picky eaters or foodies, this dish will satisfy everyone. It’s full of comforting flavors that are sure to win over even the toughest critics.
• Quick & Hearty – Ready in under 30 minutes, this is the perfect solution for busy nights when you want something hearty and filling but without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish is comfort food at its finest, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you just need something easy to put together but with loads of flavor. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll come back to time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti works well)
• For the Beef & Sauce:
• 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
• For Garnish:
• Fresh chopped parsley

Preparation

1. Brown the Beef
   Start by heating 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. I love the smell of beef cooking with butter it’s like an instant reminder that a cozy meal is on the way. As the beef cooks, use your spatula to break it into small pieces for an even texture throughout the dish.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Onion
   Now, let’s infuse some flavor! Add your chopped onion to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until it softens and becomes translucent. The garlic goes in next add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s time when that delicious garlic aroma fills the kitchen. You’ll want to be careful here, though. Overcooked garlic can turn bitter, so keep an eye on it.
3. Season It Right
   Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to coat the beef and veggies in the seasoning. At this stage, the beef and garlic will smell so good, it’s hard not to sneak a taste! But trust me, the best is yet to come.

4. Add the Broth and Cream
   Pour in the beef broth and give it a gentle stir, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (those bits are pure flavor!). Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream. This is the moment when your dish starts turning into something creamy and dreamy. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.

5. Cook the Pasta
   Toss in the pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged in the creamy mixture. You might need to stir it a bit to make sure it cooks evenly. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the pasta cook in the creamy sauce for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s al dente and has soaked up that rich flavor. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
6. Finish with Parmesan
   Once your pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. It’s honestly the best part cheese makes everything better, right? If you like things a bit spicy, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra kick.
7. Garnish and Serve
   Finally, don’t forget the garnish! Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a pop of color and a fresh finish to your dish. Then, serve it up, maybe with a slice of garlic bread or a simple side salad. You’ve just created a comforting, hearty meal that’ll make everyone’s taste buds happy!

Variations & Substitutions

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is incredibly versatile. You can tweak it based on your personal preferences or dietary needs:

• Swap the Meat: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, try using ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead. These alternatives still provide great flavor and texture.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in some healthy veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to give the dish a nutritional boost and extra color.
• Gluten-Free Option: For those avoiding gluten, swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. You can find many options like rice pasta or quinoa pasta that hold up well in creamy sauces.
• Dairy-Free Version: If you need to make the dish dairy-free, opt for coconut cream or almond milk as a substitute for the heavy cream, and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. It’ll add a nice spicy contrast to the creamy base.

Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own, whether you’re customizing it for dietary preferences or just trying new combinations of ingredients.

How to Serve

While this dish is delicious on its own, it can be paired with a few sides to complete the meal. Here are some suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: This is the ultimate accompaniment to creamy pasta. The crispy bread with its garlic butter flavor complements the richness of the sauce beautifully.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pasta. Try a simple Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables to the meal, roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots are great choices. Their slight char from roasting adds depth of flavor that complements the creamy pasta.

This pasta is already filling on its own, but these sides round out the meal perfectly, adding freshness, texture, and variety to your plate.

Recipe Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the creaminess of the sauce. Grating your own Parmesan will give the sauce a smoother texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: For the best texture, make sure to cook your pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when tossed in the sauce.
• Simmer Gently: When adding the cream and broth, don’t boil the mixture too rapidly. Simmering on low heat will keep the sauce smooth and prevent curdling.
• Adjust the Seasonings: Taste your sauce as it simmers and adjust the salt and pepper to suit your preferences. A pinch of salt can bring out the flavors of the Parmesan and garlic beautifully.
• Make-Ahead: This dish can be made ahead for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen up the sauce.

These tips will help you create a creamy, flavorful pasta that’s perfect every time.

Cooking Notes

To ensure you get the best results with your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, here are some essential tips and tricks:

• Don’t Skip the Garlic: The garlic is the key to building the flavor profile of this dish, so make sure to sauté it until fragrant. Just a minute or two of cooking will unlock its natural sweetness and add depth to the sauce.
• Use a Nonstick Pan: Since this dish involves both the ground beef and creamy sauce, using a nonstick pan can make cleanup easier and prevent the sauce from sticking or burning.
• Low and Slow for the Cream Sauce: When adding cream to the dish, keep the heat low to prevent curdling. A gentle simmer is all you need to allow the sauce to thicken and develop that velvety texture.
• Adjust to Your Taste: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the mixture simmer for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. On the other hand, if you like a thinner sauce, add a little more broth or cream.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Beef: When cooking the beef, avoid overcrowding the pan. This will allow the beef to brown properly instead of steaming, which can result in a less flavorful dish.

By following these notes, you’ll ensure that your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta turns out perfectly every time.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 550 kcal
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 650mg

Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, absolutely! Penne is perfect for this dish, but you can also swap it for spaghetti, fettuccine, or even macaroni. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions, and you’ll be good to go!

Can I make this recipe without ground beef?
Definitely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. The creamy sauce pairs well with any of these options, so feel free to get creative.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Simply reheat it on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to bring it back to life.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove with a bit of extra cream or broth.

What can I serve this with?
This creamy beef pasta is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor.

Can I make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can use lean ground beef, swap the heavy cream for a lighter milk, or use less butter and cheese to cut down on the calories. It will still be tasty, though the creamy texture will be slightly different.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a true winner when it comes to easy, satisfying meals that don’t skimp on flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal clean-up, this dish is the perfect choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself to a comforting meal. The creamy garlic butter sauce pairs wonderfully with the beef, creating a rich and indulgent dish that will leave you craving more.

It’s a recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you choose to customize it with different meats, add extra veggies, or adjust the seasonings to your taste, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

I hope you give this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta a try! It’s the kind of meal that everyone will love, and it’s bound to become a family favorite in no time. Don’t forget to share your experience with me in the comments below what variations did you try? How did you serve it? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any tweaks you made to personalize it.

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

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★★★★

4 from 1 reviews

• Author: Emily Hodges
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Ingredients

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti works well)
• For the Beef & Sauce:
• 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
• For Garnish:
• Fresh chopped parsley

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Instructions

Preparation

1. Brown the Beef
   Start by heating 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. I love the smell of beef cooking with butter it’s like an instant reminder that a cozy meal is on the way. As the beef cooks, use your spatula to break it into small pieces for an even texture throughout the dish.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Onion
   Now, let’s infuse some flavor! Add your chopped onion to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until it softens and becomes translucent. The garlic goes in next add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s time when that delicious garlic aroma fills the kitchen. You’ll want to be careful here, though. Overcooked garlic can turn bitter, so keep an eye on it.
3. Season It Right
   Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to coat the beef and veggies in the seasoning. At this stage, the beef and garlic will smell so good, it’s hard not to sneak a taste! But trust me, the best is yet to come.
4. Add the Broth and Cream
   Pour in the beef broth and give it a gentle stir, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (those bits are pure flavor!). Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream. This is the moment when your dish starts turning into something creamy and dreamy. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
5. Cook the Pasta
   Toss in the pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged in the creamy mixture. You might need to stir it a bit to make sure it cooks evenly. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the pasta cook in the creamy sauce for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s al dente and has soaked up that rich flavor. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
6. Finish with Parmesan
   Once your pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. It’s honestly the best part cheese makes everything better, right? If you like things a bit spicy, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra kick.
7. Garnish and Serve
   Finally, don’t forget the garnish! Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a pop of color and a fresh finish to your dish. Then, serve it up, maybe with a slice of garlic bread or a simple side salad. You’ve just created a comforting, hearty meal that’ll make everyone’s taste buds happy!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Sodium: 650
• Protein: 30