If you’re craving a meal that combines rich flavors, comforting creaminess, and effortless cooking, you have to try this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. It’s a deliciously satisfying dish that brings tender ground beef, aromatic garlic butter, and luscious creamy sauce together in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the fuss, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful meal that your whole family will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play an essential role in building complex flavors, creamy textures, and inviting colors that make this dish so memorable. Let’s break down the must-haves for your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe:
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides savory depth and hearty protein, forming the meaty base of the dish.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel, perfect for sautéing garlic and onions.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with pungent, warm aromatics that perfectly complement the beef.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness and tender texture to balance savory flavors.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend that introduces herbaceous notes enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Acts as the cooking liquid, intensifying meaty flavor and helping the pasta cook perfectly.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates that luscious, creamy sauce that coats every bite with indulgence.
- Pasta (8 oz, penne or rigatoni): Holds sauces well and adds satisfying chewiness to the dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to balance and elevate all flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers sharp, nutty notes while thickening the sauce gently.
- Fresh parsley (optional, chopped): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color at the end.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the ground beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding your ground beef. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon into small, evenly cooked bits. This browning process releases those mouthwatering beefy flavors that lay the foundation of your pasta dish. Once browned, remove any excess grease to keep the sauce balanced and flavorful.
Step 2: Melt the butter and sauté aromatics
Next, add the butter directly to the same pot, letting it melt smoothly over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onions, sautéing them for about 2 to 3 minutes. The onions will turn translucent, and the garlic’s fragrance will fill your kitchen, signaling that the dish is well on its way to greatness.
Step 3: Add Italian seasoning
Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, stirring it into the mixture and letting it toast lightly for a minute. This step unlocks the herbs’ flavors, marrying them beautifully with the beef and aromatics, building layers of taste.
Step 4: Add beef broth and pasta
Pour in the beef broth and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta directly to the pot. Lower the heat to simmer and cook the pasta uncovered for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the pasta absorbs the rich broth while becoming perfectly tender.
Step 5: Stir in cream and Parmesan
After the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir gently and let the sauce cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes until thickened and creamy. Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Final touches and serve
Finish by tossing in chopped fresh parsley for a hint of color and freshness. Serve your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe hot, right from the pot for ultimate comfort and convenience.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley introduces a bright green pop and a mild herbaceous note that contrasts perfectly with the rich sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese on top for a sharp, cheesy finish that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta is wonderfully rich, balance your meal with crisp, fresh sides. A simple garden salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus can lighten the plate and add texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, consider serving this creamy beef pasta in warm, shallow bowls with individual sprigs of parsley or a sprinkle of chili flakes to add a bit of heat. Pair it with rustic garlic bread or a crusty baguette to scoop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making the leftovers just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This dish can also be frozen for longer storage. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen pasta with cream sauce is best consumed within 1 to 2 months for optimal quality.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Microwave reheating works too, but stir halfway through to ensure even warmth. Your creamy, buttery pasta will taste like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni work wonderfully because they hold the sauce well, you can also try fusilli, rotini, or even farfalle. Just adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
Is ground beef the only meat option?
No way! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different take. Just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To keep it dairy-free, use a plant-based cream alternative and a dairy-free margarine instead of butter. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries—simply mix your own with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in small amounts. Fresh herbs can work as well but add them later in the cooking process.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce feels too thin, simmer it a little longer uncovered to reduce liquid or add a small amount of grated cheese to thicken and enrich the texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the ease and comfort of a One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a dish that quickly becomes a household favorite. Give it a try soon, and watch how this simple recipe brings joy to your dinner table every time!
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One-Pot Creamy 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: Italian-American
Description
A hearty and comforting one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta dish that combines tender ground beef, aromatic garlic and onions, Italian seasoning, and a rich creamy sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe infuses classic flavors into a simple yet indulgent pasta meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
Pantry Items
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Drain Excess Grease and Add Butter: Remove any excess grease from the pot. Add butter and let it melt over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its fragrance.
- Add Italian Seasoning: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavor base.
- Add Broth and Pasta; Simmer: Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Use penne or rigatoni pasta to ensure the sauce clings well to the pasta shape.
- Adjust seasoning carefully, as the Parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
- This dish can be garnished with extra Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor.
