If you’re searching for a comforting, deliciously creamy dish that comes together in a flash, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Imagine tender pasta simmered right alongside rich, savory ground beef, garlic, and a luscious buttery sauce that wraps every bite in pure indulgence. This recipe is not only satisfying but wonderfully simple — everything cooks in a single pot, making it the perfect dinner for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in building layers of flavor and a velvety texture that makes this dish so special. Each component, from the olive oil that begins the browning process to the fresh parsley sprinkled at the end, works in harmony to create that irresistible creamy beef and garlic butter pasta.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for browning the beef and infusing the garlic with richness.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that delivers savory depth and satisfying texture.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with its signature aromatic punch.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties the flavors together with Mediterranean warmth.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth.
- Beef broth: Provides savory liquid that the pasta cooks in, boosting beefy goodness.
- Milk: Contributes creaminess and softens the pasta perfectly.
- Pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold the sauce beautifully and create a hearty meal.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty richness that melts into the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Elevates the dish’s indulgence with silky smoothness.
- Unsalted butter: Finishes the sauce with a luxurious buttery flavor.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and refreshing brightness to balance the richness.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until beautifully browned, breaking it apart as you go to ensure even cooking. This step is key because a good sear builds flavor, and well-browned meat brings out that hearty, meaty base you want in this pasta.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Once the beef is browned and any excess fat is drained, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for just a minute or two until it’s fragrant and aromatic, making your kitchen smell absolutely wonderful and setting the mood for the creamy, comforting meal ahead.
Step 3: Combine Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and milk, then add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally — this allows the pasta to cook evenly and soak up the flavorful broth, making each bite tender and packed with savory goodness.
Step 4: Stir in Dairy for Creaminess
When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, it’s time for the magic touch. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter. Keep cooking for a couple more minutes while stirring until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and smooth, coating every piece of pasta and beef perfectly.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if you like a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve the pasta hot and watch how this rich, garlic butter-infused dish brings everyone to the table with smiles and happy appetites.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a burst of color and brighten the richness of this dish wonderfully. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top also never hurts for an added nutty note and salty finish.
Side Dishes
Serve with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables to add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, making every bite a full-on comfort feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta in individual bowls topped with a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat. You can also make it more colorful by stirring in roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms, making it feel like a fancy night in without any hassle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This creamy beef and garlic butter pasta holds up well for up to three days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers just as satisfying as the first serve.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months, but note that the texture of the pasta might soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and restore that creamy consistency. Microwaving works too, just be sure to stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage are great alternatives that still pack plenty of flavor. Feel free to swap based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can definitely adapt this to a vegetarian version by using plant-based ground meat or simply adding extra vegetables like mushrooms and spinach for heartiness.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne and rotini are ideal because their shapes hold sauce well, but feel free to use any short pasta you love. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make it cheesier?
For extra cheesy goodness, stir in shredded mozzarella or more Parmesan before serving. It melts beautifully into the creamy sauce for that irresistible gooey texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that delivers comfort, flavor, and ease all in one pot — and this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe does exactly that. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself to a satisfying meal, it’s a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned and simmered with garlic, Italian seasoning, and pasta in a rich mixture of beef broth and milk. Finished with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter, this creamy dish offers a deliciously smooth sauce and hearty flavors in just one pot, making cleanup simple.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to avoid greasiness.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the browned beef. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Simmer Pasta in Broth and Milk: Stir in the beef broth, milk, and uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese and Cream: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and unsalted butter into the cooked pasta and beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the pasta hot for best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef to vary the protein.
- Adding spinach or mushrooms is a great way to boost the vegetable content.
- For a cheesier dish, stir in shredded mozzarella before serving for extra melty goodness.
