Sometimes, all we need is a cozy bowl of comfort that comes together in a single pot with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. That’s exactly what this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta delivers.
Picture tender pasta swimming in a silky, garlicky cream sauce, studded with savory beef and kissed with herbs and Parmesan. It’s a hug in a bowl and the kind of dinner you’ll find yourself craving on busy weeknights or chilly evenings when you just want something warm and deeply satisfying.
Best of all? It’s a breeze to make and leaves you with hardly any dishes. Trust me, this will become a weeknight favorite in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in just one pot = fewer dishes!
- Rich, garlicky, and ultra-comforting.
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved.
- Customizable with your favorite pasta shapes or proteins.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Equipment Needed: Large deep skillet or pot, stirring spoon, knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef – Provides rich, hearty flavor and protein to anchor the dish.
- 2 tbsp butter – Adds creamy richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the dish with bold, savory flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced – Brings sweetness and depth.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning – Adds classic herbaceous notes for an Italian flair.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – For a gentle heat and flavor boost.
- 3 cups beef broth – Builds a savory base for the sauce.
- 2 cups milk (or heavy cream) – Makes the dish extra creamy and luscious.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini) – Holds the sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Melts into the sauce for salty, cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – Adds subtle warmth.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – For a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it.
- Sauté Aromatics: Push the beef to one side of the pan and melt the butter. Add garlic and onion, stirring for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Mix in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and milk, and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s submerged. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. Serve it hot and dig in!
Variations to Try
- Swap beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Stir in spinach or kale for a green boost.
- Try cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesier twist.
- Add a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions for depth.
Storing Leftovers & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth and warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to avoid drying it out.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette makes a great fresh contrast.
- Add a side of roasted veggies for extra nutrition.
Pro Tips
- Toast the garlic in butter until just golden—don’t let it brown or it will taste bitter.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks to prevent sticking.
- Let the pasta rest for a minute or two off heat before serving—it thickens beautifully!
This creamy beef pasta is like a warm, cozy blanket in dinner form. It’s satisfying, simple, and packed with flavors that hit all the right notes. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this dish feels like home. Give it a try and make it your own—I promise, your tastebuds will thank you!
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One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk (or heavy cream)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it.
- Sauté Aromatics: Push the beef to one side of the pan and melt the butter. Add garlic and onion, stirring for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Mix in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and milk, and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s submerged. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. Serve it hot and dig in!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
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