Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter – So Good, So Easy!

Few things beat a comforting bowl of pasta — especially when it’s rich, creamy, and made in just one pot. This Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter is a weeknight dream come true: juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce that clings to every noodle.

Inspired by the flavors of classic beef stroganoff and Italian pasta alfredo, this dish blends savory, buttery richness with hints of garlic, cream, and parmesan. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, hungry teens, or just craving something satisfying and simple, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Ingredients Overview

This recipe uses pantry staples and everyday ingredients to deliver big, comforting flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and how to get the best from each item.

Ground Beef

Ground beef forms the flavorful base of this dish. Choose 85% or 90% lean for a balance of richness and less grease. Browning it properly with salt and pepper helps develop savory depth.

Swap it out: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles can be used for a lighter or vegetarian option.

Pasta

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best. These hold the sauce well and cook evenly in a one-pot method. Use regular wheat pasta — whole wheat may require extra liquid and time.

Tip: Don’t drain — the pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up flavor and helping thicken it naturally.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is a key flavor builder here. It’s sautéed in butter to mellow its sharpness and bring a sweet, aromatic base to the dish.

Butter

Unsalted butter adds richness and that unmistakable garlic butter aroma. It coats the beef and pasta beautifully while supporting the creamy sauce.

Cream

Heavy cream or half-and-half gives this pasta its creamy, silky texture. It balances the acidity of the tomato paste and thickens as it simmers.

Dairy-free? Use canned coconut milk or a vegan heavy cream alternative.

Beef Broth

Used to cook the pasta and deepen the meaty flavor. Low-sodium beef broth is best to keep the salt level in check.

No beef broth? Chicken or vegetable broth work in a pinch, or mix water with bouillon.

Tomato Paste

Just a touch adds umami and depth without turning this into a tomato-based sauce. It rounds out the beef flavor and balances the creaminess.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce, adding saltiness, nuttiness, and body. It helps thicken the sauce and elevates the finish.

Optional: Add more on top before serving for a gooey, golden finish.

Seasonings

• Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors.

• Italian seasoning: Adds warmth and balance.

• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

   Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Add Garlic and Butter

   Reduce heat to medium. Push the beef to one side and melt the butter in the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

3. Stir in Tomato Paste and Seasonings

   Mix the garlic and beef together. Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to coat the beef and let the paste toast for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

4. Add Uncooked Pasta and Broth

   Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked pasta. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Add Cream and Parmesan

   Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid absorbed, pour in the cream and sprinkle in the parmesan. Stir gently until the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and coats the pasta evenly. Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes more.

6. Taste and Finish

   Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. For extra richness, stir in another tablespoon of butter just before serving.

7. Serve Warm

   Spoon into bowls and garnish with extra parmesan, fresh parsley, or a crack of black pepper.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Add veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms during the final minutes of cooking.

• Make it spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef, or add a dash of hot sauce.

• Lighter version: Swap cream for whole milk and reduce butter slightly.

• Cheese swap: Try fontina, mozzarella, or cream cheese for different textures.

• Fresh herbs: Stir in chopped basil or thyme at the end for freshness.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This creamy beef pasta is a natural choice for quick family dinners, cozy date nights, or next-day lunches.

• Serve with: A crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread.

• Drinks: Pairs beautifully with a light red wine (like Pinot Noir), sparkling water with lemon, or even a cold beer.

• Make-ahead meal: It reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers or lunchboxes.

The creamy garlic butter flavor combined with hearty beef makes this pasta feel both indulgent and comforting — perfect for any season, any night of the week.

Nutritional & Health Notes

While creamy and rich, this dish offers a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats. Ground beef delivers iron and B vitamins, while parmesan adds calcium and depth.

To make it more health-conscious:

• Use lean beef or ground turkey

• Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms

• Choose whole grain pasta (adjusting cook time and liquid)

It’s a filling, satisfying meal that doesn’t require second helpings — though no one would blame you.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, rotini, shells, or fusilli all work well. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti, as they don’t cook evenly in one pot.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Q3: How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth and parmesan labels. Cooking time may vary slightly.

Q4: What cream should I use?
Heavy cream gives the richest result. Half-and-half works too, though the sauce will be a bit thinner.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portions, and reheat gently, stirring frequently.

Q6: Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, lentils, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Q7: My sauce is too thick — what should I do?
Add a splash of warm broth or cream and stir over low heat until it loosens up to your liking.

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