One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as comforting as it is satisfying, look no further than this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta. This recipe is packed with rich, savory flavors and makes cleanup a breeze since everything is cooked in just one pot. Picture perfectly tender pasta coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, with savory beef adding a delicious, meaty depth. It’s a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort—so simple, so tasty, and totally foolproof.

Every bite feels like a cozy hug, with the buttery garlic sauce blending beautifully with the beef and pasta. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but craving something hearty and comforting. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, it’ll become your go-to easy meal.

Why You’ll Love One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Comforting & Hearty:

This dish is the ultimate comfort food. The garlic butter sauce is rich and velvety, and when combined with the beef and pasta, it becomes a deliciously satisfying meal that’ll warm you from the inside out.

Quick & Easy:

With only a handful of ingredients and one pot, this dish is a breeze to make. You’ll have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes—perfect for those busy days when you need something simple but delicious.

Flavor-Packed:

Garlic, butter, and beef—these flavors were practically made for each other. The garlic butter sauce adds just the right amount of richness, while the beef adds a savory depth that makes every bite irresistible.

Minimal Cleanup:

The best part? You cook everything in one pot! This means fewer dishes to wash, which is always a win in my book.

Customizable:

Feel free to make this dish your own. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even some red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

This dish uses simple ingredients that come together to create an amazing meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is the star of the show, bringing a savory, meaty richness to the dish.

Pasta: Any short pasta works here—penne, rotini, or fusilli will all soak up that flavorful garlic butter sauce beautifully.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to giving this dish that bold, aromatic flavor that pairs so perfectly with butter.

Butter: It’s a garlic butter pasta, after all! The butter adds that luscious, creamy texture to the sauce.

Beef Broth: Beef broth gives the pasta and meat extra flavor, ensuring every bite is savory and satisfying.

Parmesan Cheese: A good sprinkle of parmesan at the end gives the dish a final touch of cheesiness and richness.

Olive Oil: For sautéing the beef and garlic before you add the pasta.

Salt & Pepper: To season the dish and enhance the natural flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements is available in the recipe card.)

Instructions

This dish comes together in just one pot, and here’s how you’ll do it:

Brown the Beef:

In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef into crumbles, until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Sauté the Garlic:

In the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. You want to cook the garlic until it’s soft and aromatic, but be careful not to burn it!

Add the Broth and Pasta:

Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, stir in the pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Bring It All Together:

Once the pasta is cooked, return the cooked beef to the pot. Add the remaining butter and stir everything together until the butter has melted and the pasta is coated in a rich, creamy sauce. If you’d like, add a little extra beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

Finish with Cheese:

Stir in the parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve:

Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh herbs if you’d like. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 33g
Vitamin A: 12%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can always add a few side dishes to make the meal even more special.

Garlic Bread:

Because you can never have too much garlic! Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce.

Fresh Salad:

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Vegetables:

Serve with roasted veggies like zucchini, carrots, or broccoli for a colorful, nutritious side that pairs well with the creamy pasta.

Extra Parmesan:

If you’re a cheese lover (like me), serve this pasta with a little extra parmesan sprinkled on top.

Additional Tips

Customize the Meat:

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor.

Add Veggies:

For extra nutrition and flavor, toss in some spinach, kale, or mushrooms when you sauté the garlic. You can also add peas or tomatoes to the pasta as it simmers.

Make It Spicy:

If you love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the garlic while it’s sautéing or sprinkle them over the pasta before serving.

Keep It Creamy:

For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for extra indulgence.

Leftovers:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little splash of broth or water to keep the pasta moist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works great. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary depending on the pasta you use.

Q2: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A2: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken will work well and give you a leaner version of this dish.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
A3: Definitely! Just use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version.

Q4: Can I add cheese to the sauce?
A4: Yes! Adding parmesan is a great way to make the sauce extra creamy. You can even mix in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness.

Q5: How can I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a little broth or water to keep the pasta from drying out.

Q6: Can I add veggies to this dish?
A6: Absolutely! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.

Q7: Can I make this in advance?
A7: While this is best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and cook it when you’re ready to eat.

Q8: How do I make this dish spicier?
A8: Add some red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

Q9: Can I freeze this dish?
A9: You can freeze it, but the texture of the pasta may change when reheated. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q10: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A10: Yes! You can swap out parmesan for pecorino romano, asiago, or even mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.

Conclusion

This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got a hug on a plate. It’s creamy, savory, and so easy to make—perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

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