One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Craving something rich, comforting, and full of flavor—without a pile of dirty dishes? This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is exactly what you need. With juicy ground beef, a velvety garlic butter cream sauce, and tender pasta cooked all in the same pot, this dish is a family favorite that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Fewer dishes, faster cleanup, and all the flavor.
Garlicky Goodness – Butter, garlic, and herbs make the sauce truly crave-worthy.
Creamy & Comforting – Silky sauce clings to every bite of pasta and beef.
Quick & Easy – Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal fast.
Customizable – Add veggies, herbs, or cheese to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 12 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Cracked black pepper

Tools You’ll Need

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle or measuring cup
• Cheese grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked—about 5–7 minutes.
Drain excess grease if needed, and push the beef to one side of the pan.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base
Add butter to the empty side of the pan.
Once melted, stir in minced garlic and diced onion.
Sauté for 2–3 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the onion is soft.
Mix the garlic butter with the cooked beef.
Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth
Pour in the uncooked pasta and beef broth.
Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Cheese
Reduce heat to low.
Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan over the top.
Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

Tips for Success
Use Short Pasta – Penne, fusilli, or shells hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Stir Frequently – This keeps the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Don’t Overcook – Cook just until the pasta is tender; it will continue to thicken off the heat.
Add Veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or peas can be stirred in with the cream for extra nutrition.
Make It Spicier – Add more red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for heat.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
Simple Side Salad – A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted Veggies – Try broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus for a fresh touch.
Iced Tea or Sparkling Water – Refreshing sips to complement the hearty flavors.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or cream and reheat over low heat, stirring often.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat all work well.

2. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can use whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

3. What pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni are ideal for holding onto the sauce.

4. Can I add cheese on top?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, cheddar, or even provolone melted on top makes it extra indulgent.

5. Is this recipe spicy?
Only slightly, from the red pepper flakes—which you can skip or increase based on your preference.

Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something hearty without the hassle.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. Share your photos and variations—I’d love to see your one-pot pasta creations!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 26g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 580mg

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