Description

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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Ingredients

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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

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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!

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American