Why Make This Recipe
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is an easy and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines hearty ground beef, flavorful garlic, and creamy pasta all cooked in one pot, which means less cleanup for you. The blend of spices adds warmth, while the parmesan cheese melts into the dish, making it rich and satisfying. Whether you are feeding your family or hosting friends, this dish is bound to impress with its delicious flavors and simple preparation.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Making this dish is straightforward and quick, allowing you to have dinner ready in no time. Here’s how you can whip up your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Heat Olive Oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. This will help you sauté the ground beef nicely.
Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Keep cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
Pour in Broth and Milk: Carefully pour in the beef broth and milk. Stir everything well to combine.
Add Pasta and Seasoning: Add your choice of pasta along with the Italian seasoning. Make sure that the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.
Cook the Pasta: Let it cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. You want it to be tender but not mushy.
Make It Creamy: After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and butter into the pot. Mix until the cheese and butter have melted and the pasta becomes creamy.
Check and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce seems too thick, feel free to add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese if you like. Your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is now ready to serve!
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Serve your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta hot right from the pot. It pairs wonderfully with slices of garlic bread or a crisp side salad to balance the richness of the dish. If you want a bit more flavor, consider adding extra parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano on top before serving.
How to Store One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Leftovers of this creamy pasta can be stored easily. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a little milk or broth to loosen the pasta, as it may thicken in the fridge. You can use a microwave-safe dish or a skillet over low heat to warm it gently.
Tips to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Pasta Choice: You can use almost any pasta shape you prefer—penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work well.
- Ground Meat Variations: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option for a lighter version.
- Add Vegetables: You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition. Add them in with the ground beef so they can cook through.
- Adjusting Creaminess: For a richer taste, use heavy cream instead of milk. This will give your dish an even creamier texture.
- Extra Garlic: If you love garlic, consider adding more cloves or using roasted garlic for a sweeter flavor.
Variation
For a tasty twist, you can make a One-Pot Spicy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta. Just add more red pepper flakes or a bit of diced jalapeño when cooking the beef. This will elevate the heat and make it a perfect meal for those who enjoy a bit of spice. Alternatively, you could create a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef altogether and replacing it with lentils or chickpeas.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and garlic mix ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just add the broth and pasta to finish cooking.
2. What if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little bit of milk or beef broth to loosen it up while stirring.
3. Can I freeze One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta?
While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. When rewarming, add some liquid to restore the creamy texture.
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is not just simple to make but also incredibly satisfying. With only one pot to clean afterward, it is a win-win for busy cooks! Enjoy your meal!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and easy one-pot meal featuring ground beef, garlic, and creamy pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook for about 5-6 minutes until browned.
- Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine.
- Add pasta and Italian seasoning, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover partially, and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat, stir in parmesan cheese and butter until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding milk or broth if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp side salad. For a richer taste, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, beef pasta, easy dinner, quick meal