One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich, hearty dish that combines tender ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a luscious butter sauce all cooked together in a single pan. This comforting pasta is full of savory flavors and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true one-pot wonder—easy cleanup, quick prep, and big flavor. The garlic butter base paired with seasoned ground beef makes for a satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb ground beef
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2 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
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3 cups beef broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
directions
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the uncooked pasta, beef broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.
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Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: Around 30 minutes
Variations
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Cheese Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella, gouda, or cream cheese for extra richness.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef while browning.
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Veggie Add-In: Stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms for a balanced meal.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and confirm other ingredients are gluten-free.
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Turkey or Sausage Substitute: Use ground turkey or Italian sausage in place of beef.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce, or microwave in intervals until heated through.
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be thinner. Add a bit of cornstarch or flour to help thicken if needed.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or shells hold the sauce well and cook evenly in one-pot dishes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare in advance and reheat gently before serving.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents; freshly grated is best.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
Add more Parmesan or a dollop of cream cheese at the end.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not inherently, but you can easily add spice with crushed red pepper or hot sauce.
Can I cook the pasta separately?
This recipe is designed for one-pot cooking, but you can cook pasta separately and mix it in at the end if preferred.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally while simmering and make sure there’s enough liquid to cover the pasta.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pot and adjust simmering time slightly as needed.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, chicken broth works, though the beef flavor will be lighter.
Conclusion
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect recipe when you want comfort food with minimal fuss. Rich, garlicky, and cheesy, it delivers on taste and convenience. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite in your rotation.
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich, savory dinner made with tender ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a velvety sauce—all in one pan! It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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2 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
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3 1/2 cups beef broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
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in a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
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Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Stir in dried Italian seasoning, then add uncooked pasta and beef broth.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
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Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
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Swap cream for cream cheese or a splash of milk for a lighter version.
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Tastes even better the next day—perfect for leftovers!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot / Stovetop
