One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Let’s talk comfort food. You know those days when you just need something warm, hearty, and beyond delicious? This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is exactly what you need. The rich, creamy sauce clings to every bite of pasta, and the garlic butter beef takes things over the top. It’s cozy, satisfying, and you don’t even have to dirty up a ton of dishes! Trust me, this one-pot wonder is a total game-changer. Your taste buds will thank you.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or treating yourself to a comforting meal after a busy day, this dish is sure to make you feel all kinds of happy. Plus, who doesn’t love a simple recipe that packs in so much flavor with minimal effort?

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

This recipe is an absolute winner for so many reasons! From the first creamy bite to the last, here’s why it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen:

Quick and Easy

Life gets busy, right? With this one-pot dish, you can have a comforting, flavorful meal on the table in less than 30 minutes. No need for complicated steps or endless prep—just a few ingredients and you’re golden.

All the Comfort

If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, you’re in for a treat. This one has just the right amount of richness, thanks to the garlic butter and creamy sauce. It’s the kind of dish that’ll warm you from the inside out.

One-Pot Wonder

Who wants to do dishes after cooking? With this dish, you don’t have to! All you need is one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. More time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.

Family-Friendly

Even picky eaters will love this! The savory beef and creamy pasta are a match made in heaven. You’ll find yourself making this time and time again for the whole family.

Customizable

The best part about this recipe? You can make it your own! Want to add some veggies? Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra flavor and color. Craving a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this dreamy, creamy pasta:

For the Beef and Pasta:

• Ground beef: This is the heart of the dish. The beef brings richness and savory flavor, making every bite satisfying. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
• Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic infuses the dish with that irresistible savory aroma that will have everyone running to the table.
• Onion: Diced onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the beef, complementing the garlic beautifully.
• Pasta: Any shape will work here, but something like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti will catch the creamy sauce perfectly. Pick your favorite!
• Beef broth: The base of your creamy sauce. It’s full of flavor and helps to cook the pasta while absorbing all that deliciousness.
• Heavy cream: This is what gives the pasta its creamy, luxurious texture. You can swap it out for half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative if needed.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan makes everything cheesy and irresistible, adding a salty richness that complements the beef and cream perfectly.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that brings everything together and enhances the flavors.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish and a pop of fresh, vibrant color.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• Butter (unsalted): This is the key to the garlic butter sauce, giving it that silky smooth, rich finish. Unsalted is ideal, so you can control the seasoning.
• Olive oil: Adds a light, fruity note to the butter and helps cook the beef without burning the butter.
• Minced garlic: The more garlic, the better! This adds that irresistible, aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Chicken broth: You can use this or more beef broth to balance out the flavors. Chicken broth gives a slightly lighter, but still savory, profile.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dig in? Let’s make this creamy, beefy goodness!

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary, and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Pasta

Add the pasta to the pot with the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes (or according to the pasta package instructions). Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Add the Cream

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens up and the cheese melts into the creamy goodness.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed. If you like a bit of heat, now’s the time to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or your favorite seasoning.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well combined and creamy, remove the pot from the heat. Spoon the pasta into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve! Get ready for a flavor explosion.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 480 calories
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 28g

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

This dish is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal even further:

A Fresh Green Salad

A crisp, light salad with some lemon vinaigrette would be a refreshing contrast to the creamy, rich pasta. It’s the perfect way to balance out all the flavors.

Garlic Bread

Let’s be real—what’s pasta without garlic bread? The crispy, buttery bread will soak up any extra creamy sauce, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Roasted Vegetables

A side of roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts would add some healthy color and crunch to the meal. Plus, the flavors work so well with the richness of the pasta!

A Sprinkle of Extra Cheese

Can’t get enough cheese? Top your pasta with a bit more Parmesan or even some mozzarella for that extra cheesy goodness.

Additional Tips

Make It Lighter

Want to lighten this up a bit? Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. Ground turkey is also a great lean option in place of beef.

Make Ahead

You can make this dish ahead of time! Just prepare everything, let it cool, and store in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stove, adding a little extra broth or milk to bring it back to life.

Add Veggies

Sneak in some extra veggies to make the dish even more nutritious. Spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or peas are great additions!

Store Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit of broth to loosen up the sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A1: Yes! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, from spaghetti to farfalle or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

Q2: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

A2: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work perfectly, and they’ll make the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?

A3: Yes, you can make this in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat it when ready to serve, adding a little extra broth if needed.

Q4: How can I make this spicier?

A4: If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust to your spice tolerance!

Q5: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A5: Yes, this dish freezes really well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Q6: What can I serve this with?

A6: Try pairing this with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Q7: Can I add cheese directly into the pasta?

A7: Yes! You can add more Parmesan cheese into the pasta as it simmers for an extra cheesy bite. Just make sure to stir it in slowly so it melts evenly.

Q8: Can I make this vegetarian?

A8: Yes! Simply swap the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or mushrooms for a rich, savory flavor.

Q9: How do I know when the pasta is done?

A9: The pasta is ready when it’s tender and cooked to your liking. You can check by tasting a piece—it should be al dente.

Q10: Can I add more garlic?

A10: Absolutely! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to increase the garlic amount in the butter sauce. It will give the dish an extra punch of flavor.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, easy, creamy, and absolutely packed with flavor. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since you only need one pot! Whether you’re feeding the family or indulging yourself, this dish will leave everyone satisfied and happy. So grab your pot, get cooking, and enjoy the creamy, garlic-y goodness!

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