If you’re craving a comforting, rich dinner that comes together effortlessly, this One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender pasta swirling in a luscious garlic butter sauce, studded with savory browned beef, all cooked in a single pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. The creamy texture paired with the perfect hint of garlic and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes makes every bite incredibly satisfying and downright addictive. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and rich taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
We kept the ingredient list straightforward yet flavorful because every component plays a key role in creating this perfect harmony of taste and texture. From the savory ground beef to the creamy Parmesan cheese, each ingredient brings something special to this dish.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor): Provides juicy, flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of the dish.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions and garlic perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that irresistible, aromatic garlic flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and a bit of crunch to balance the creaminess.
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste): Creates a savory cooking liquid that flavors the pasta from the inside out.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version): Provides the luscious creaminess that coats every bite beautifully.
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): The perfect shapes to hold onto that creamy sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant herbal note that rounds out the flavors.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle heat to lift the dish without overpowering it.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving): Melts into the sauce for savory depth and a silky finish.
- Salt & black pepper to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A pop of color and freshness to brighten each plate.
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 adding your ground beef. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks so every bite is tender and perfectly caramelized. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the sauce from getting greasy. This step is crucial because that flavorful sear is the foundation that will carry the whole dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic in Butter
Add the butter right into the pot with the beef. Once melted, toss in the diced onion and sauté for about three minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. Then, stir in the minced garlic, letting those wonderful aromas fill your kitchen for another minute. This buttery garlic mixture creates the rich flavor base that signals a hearty indulgence is on its way.
Step 3: Combine Broth, Cream, and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, raising the heat just enough to bring everything to a gentle boil. Carefully add your pasta, making sure it’s all submerged in the liquid. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like that little touch of heat. Combining all these ingredients at once means the pasta absorbs every bit of that delicious broth and cream as it cooks.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfectly Tender
Put a lid on the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the pasta simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom while the pasta softens and the sauce thickens to that perfect creamy consistency. This hands-off cooking is such a time-saver and guarantees everything is infused with flavor from start to finish.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has a lovely creamy texture, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Watch as it melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding a wonderful umami depth and silkiness. Taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed. This final touch makes the dish absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich sauce. Add some extra Parmesan to bring out the cheese notes even more. These little touches not only enhance presentation but also layer on fresh and savory flavors at the last minute.
Side Dishes
Since this One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is wonderfully filling, lighter sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables pair beautifully. Garlic bread is another fantastic option that doubles down on flavor and gives you something to soak up the creamy sauce—absolute perfection on a plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish each plate with sprigs of fresh herbs and cracked black pepper. You can also turn this recipe into individual casseroles by portioning it into ramekins, topping with extra cheese, and broiling briefly for a bubbly crust. Either way, it’s sure to wow anyone lucky enough to try it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can stash any leftover One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will meld even more, making it just as tasty the next day—if not better!
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up so it’s just as creamy and delicious as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shells work best because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to experiment with other shapes like fusilli or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to the ground beef?
You can substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for a vegetarian take. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be a bit different, but equally delicious with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and a non-dairy cream substitute like coconut cream or cashew cream, and swap Parmesan for a vegan cheese to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth without overwhelming the dish. You can always leave them out if you prefer no heat or increase slightly if you like a mild kick.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the beef and onion mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge, then finish the pasta and sauce just before serving for a quicker meal.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so comforting about one-pot meals, and this One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe truly hits the mark. Easy to make, luxurious to eat, and perfect for any night of the week, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite—your taste buds will thank you.
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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned and combined with garlic, onions, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, all cooked together with pasta in one pot for easy cleanup and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Protein & 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 & Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
Instructions
- Brown Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add butter to the pot with the beef. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids & Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the pasta hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
- You can swap the pasta with gluten-free varieties if needed, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder dish.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
