If you love hearty, comforting meals that come together fast and fuss-free, you are going to fall head over heels for this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender ground beef mingling effortlessly with al dente pasta, all enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce enriched with creamy Parmesan and a hint of Italian herbs. It’s the kind of dish that feels warm and indulgent yet cooks up quickly in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a crucial role, from building layers of flavor to bringing that satisfying texture and color that makes this dish as visually inviting as it is delicious. Keep them simple but quality — that’s the secret to this recipe’s success.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base packed with savory goodness.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni): Holds sauces well and cooks perfectly in the pot with the beef.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds a velvety richness and helps infuse that buttery garlic flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: For a punch of aromatic and bold taste that defines the pasta’s character.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth when softened with beef and garlic.
- 2 cups beef broth: The cooking liquid that flavors the pasta and keeps everything moist.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a silky, creamy sauce that wraps the pasta in comfort.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity and melts smoothly into the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that lifts the entire dish with herbs like oregano and basil.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who appreciate a little subtle heat against the creamy backdrop.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, colorful finish that brightens up each plate.
How to Make One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by melting your butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. This browning process takes about 5 to 7 minutes and is key—it builds a savory foundation with caramelized bits that add amazing flavor to the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cooking these until the onion softens and releases its natural sweetness takes around 3 to 4 minutes. The garlic infuses the butter and beef with that signature warmth, making this dish irresistibly fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add your pasta next, making sure it’s fully submerged in the broth for even cooking. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, optional crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of spice, and season with salt and black pepper. This combination ensures the pasta absorbs vibrant, layered flavors as it cooks.
Step 4: Cook Pasta to Perfection
Cover the pot and let the pasta cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the noodles to reach al dente texture while the broth mostly evaporates, creating a thick, luscious sauce that clings to every bite.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta. This step transforms the mixture into a creamy, silky sauce that feels indulgent yet balanced. Stir until everything is smooth, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly into the sauce.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed to make sure the flavors shine just right. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that wraps up this dish beautifuly.
How to Serve One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A light handful of freshly chopped parsley is perfect, but don’t hesitate to add a few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese for a classy finishing touch. Some cracked black pepper over the top can add a little visual contrast and an extra kick of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and filling, so pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies is a brilliant idea to balance out the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also complement the garlic butter sauce marvelously.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve this pasta right in the pot and let everyone scoop their own portions—there’s something cozy and communal about that. Or plate it individually and drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes if your guests enjoy a bit of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen after resting, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
Freezing
This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe freezes well. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid texture changes, avoid adding fresh herbs before freezing—add them fresh when serving instead.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to heat evenly and prevent scorching.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni work best for holding the sauce, other short pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle will also do nicely. Just ensure the pasta cooks evenly in one pot with the broth.
Is ground beef necessary or can I substitute it?
If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, and the flavor will be milder, so adjust seasonings accordingly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or your favorite plant-based cream substitute in place of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
What if I don’t have beef broth on hand?
You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth. If you only have water, add extra seasoning and a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to boost the flavor depth.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat, perfectly balanced by the creamy sauce. You can omit them entirely if you prefer no spice, or increase the amount for more kick.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is truly one of those magical meals that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s straightforward, incredibly flavorful, and comes together in no time, making it a reliable go-to comfort food. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and share the joy of this delicious pasta at your next dinner!
Print
One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a hearty, creamy, and flavorful meal that combines ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it requires minimal cleanup and delivers comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add broth and pasta: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the pasta, ensuring it is covered by the broth. Season with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook pasta: Cover the pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini for best results.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Be sure to stir occasionally while cooking pasta to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
