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
Scale
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.
