Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines ground beef, garlic butter, and tender pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe requires minimal cleanup and delivers hearty satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef & Butter
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp butter
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
Liquids & Dairy
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
Pasta & Seasoning
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Make sure to break the meat apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the butter to the pot with the beef. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the pasta, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using for some heat.
- Simmer the pasta: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish with cheese: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts and incorporates fully, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the pasta before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve hot for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for beef broth for a lighter flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Try different pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells for varied texture.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
