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

If you’re craving something rich, cozy, and weeknight-friendly, this Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter is a must-try. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like it took hours but comes together in under 40 minutes — and yes, all in one pot.

This recipe combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlic butter cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a comforting family favorite — simple enough for a busy Tuesday, but indulgent enough to satisfy that “need something hearty” mood.

One-pot meals have become kitchen heroes for their ease and minimal cleanup. But this one doesn’t compromise on flavor: it’s garlicky, cheesy, creamy, and downright irresistible.

Ingredients Overview

Let’s look at what makes this one-pot pasta dish so rich and satisfying, with a few tips and substitution ideas along the way.

Ground Beef

Ground beef brings meaty flavor and richness. Use 85% lean for the best balance of taste and texture.

Options:

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• For extra depth, try a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.

Pasta

Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best — they hold sauce well and cook evenly.

Tips:

• Use regular (not quick-cooking) pasta.

• Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used, but you may need to adjust liquid amounts.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is the foundation of the butter sauce. Use at least 4 cloves — more if you’re a garlic lover.

Butter

Butter is what brings out the garlic’s richness and creates the silky base for the sauce. Use unsalted so you can control seasoning.

Cream or Half-and-Half

Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and velvety. Half-and-half works too, though it will be slightly lighter.

Broth

Chicken or beef broth is used to cook the pasta in the same pot, infusing every bite with savory flavor.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan adds saltiness and body to the sauce. Don’t skip it — it’s essential for that creamy finish.

Seasonings

Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning round things out. A touch of red pepper flakes adds mild heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Beef

In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink — about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add Garlic and Butter

Stir in the butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. The aroma at this stage is rich and inviting.

3. Stir in Broth and Pasta

Pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the uncooked pasta and Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring to a boil.

4. Simmer and Stir

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. Finish with Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta.

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.

6. Serve Hot

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or extra cheese. The pasta will thicken as it sits — add a splash of broth or cream if reheating.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Success

• Stir pasta often while simmering to ensure even cooking.

• Add liquid slowly if the pasta seems dry before it’s fully cooked.

• Grate your own Parmesan for the best flavor and texture — pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Flavor Variations

• Mushroom twist: Add sliced mushrooms with the beef.

• Spinach stir-in: Fold in fresh spinach at the end for a pop of green.

• Tomato style: Add ¼ cup of tomato paste or a splash of marinara for a tomato-cream hybrid sauce.

Substitutions

• Use Greek yogurt or light cream cheese instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.

• Swap veggie broth and meatless crumbles for a vegetarian version.

• Try chili flakes or smoked paprika for added warmth.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish is built for comfort — ideal for:

• Busy weeknights when you want something fast and satisfying.

• Family dinners with picky eaters (kids love the creamy sauce).

• A cozy movie night served in big bowls with a side of garlic bread.

Pair it with:

• Garlic knots or crusty bread

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon

Leftovers also make a delicious lunch — just add a little splash of broth before reheating.

Nutritional & Health Notes

This pasta is indulgent, but it can be part of a balanced meal with the right approach.

• Protein: Ground beef provides a rich source of protein and iron.

• Carbs: Pasta fuels energy, especially great for active families.

• Fats: Cream and cheese add richness — use half-and-half or reduce cheese if desired.

• Portion control: A serving size of 1½ cups alongside salad or vegetables makes for a well-rounded plate.

You can adjust this dish for dietary goals by using whole grain pasta, lean meat, and light dairy alternatives.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

A1: Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated. Add a splash of cream or broth before serving.

Q2: Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

A2: It’s not ideal for a one-pot dish. The pasta needs to cook in the broth to absorb flavor and help thicken the sauce. If using pre-cooked, reduce the broth and stir it in at the end.

Q3: How can I make this dairy-free?

A3: Use a plant-based butter, coconut cream or cashew cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor will shift slightly but still be delicious.

Q4: What’s the best pasta shape to use?

A4: Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or shells work beautifully. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti as they don’t cook evenly in one-pot dishes.

Q5: How do I store and reheat leftovers?

A5: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Q6: Can I freeze creamy pasta?

A6: It’s not ideal, as cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. If you do freeze it, stir well while reheating and expect a slightly different texture.

Q7: Can I add vegetables?

A7: Absolutely! Stir in chopped spinach, peas, mushrooms, or even diced zucchini during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

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