When it comes to cozy weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort, One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the answer. This savory, rich dish combines the delicious flavors of seasoned ground beef, garlic, and buttery cream to create a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, hosting friends for a casual gathering, or simply craving something comforting, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
The inspiration for this dish comes from the timeless combination of beef and pasta, a staple in many households. It’s a no-fuss, hearty recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those hectic days when you don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen. The creamy, garlic-infused sauce coats every piece of pasta, while the addition of Parmesan gives it that extra depth of flavor you’ll love. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
This recipe calls for ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, making it even easier to whip up a meal when you need something quick and delicious.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star of the dish, ground beef adds protein and richness to the pasta.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For a smooth, buttery flavor that complements the beef and cream.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant, savory depth that takes the dish to the next level.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Onion provides a sweet, aromatic base for the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that infuse the dish with a familiar Italian taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the beef and pasta.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A dash of pepper adds a little kick to balance the richness of the dish.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: This adds moisture and richness to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key ingredient for creating that luxurious, creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 8 ounces pasta: Penne or spaghetti are both perfect options for this dish. Choose your favorite!
- Fresh chopped parsley: For garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
With a few basic ingredients, you’re ready to create a hearty, creamy pasta dish that’ll satisfy your cravings.
Directions for One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
This recipe is incredibly simple, and the best part? It’s all cooked in one pot! The fewer dishes to wash, the better, right?
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. The ground beef will release some of its fat, which will help add flavor to the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion
Once the beef is browned, it’s time to infuse some flavor into the pot. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the beef and cook for another 2 minutes. The garlic will become fragrant, and the onions will soften, creating a savory base for your creamy sauce.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to evenly coat the beef and vegetables in the seasonings. Pour in the beef broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together and the broth reduces slightly.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. The cream will combine with the beef broth to create a velvety sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce becoming creamy and luscious—this is where the magic happens!
Step 5: Add the Pasta
Now it’s time to add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce, adding a little extra water or broth if necessary. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook according to the pasta package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, take the pot off the heat. Give everything a final stir, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley. The bright green parsley adds a burst of freshness and color, making your dish look as good as it tastes!
Now you’re ready to serve! Enjoy your creamy, hearty beef and garlic butter pasta hot, straight from the pot. This dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or an easy-to-make meal for a group of friends.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
A Complete Meal in One Pot
One of the best features of this recipe is that it’s all cooked in a single pot. No need to boil pasta separately or dirty multiple pans. Everything is cooked together, allowing the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors of the beef and creamy sauce. This not only saves time but also makes cleanup a breeze!
Quick and Easy to Make
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe is a lifesaver when you need a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Rich, Creamy, and Flavorful
The combination of butter, garlic, and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. The Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor that elevates the dish, while the beef brings savory heartiness. The Italian seasoning ties everything together, giving the dish that unmistakable Italian flavor profile we all know and love.
Customizable to Your Taste
This recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. If you like a little spice, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian protein like lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based version. If you prefer a different pasta shape, penne, spaghetti, or even fusilli would work perfectly in this creamy dish.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
Kids will love this dish because it’s creamy, flavorful, and filled with pasta. The ground beef is easy to eat, and the creamy sauce will be a hit with little ones who may not be fans of more complicated meals. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some protein and veggies (if you choose to add them) while keeping things delicious and familiar.
Tips for Perfecting Your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Since the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, it’s important to monitor it closely to avoid overcooking. Once the pasta reaches your desired level of doneness, remove the pot from the heat to prevent it from becoming mushy.
2. Add More Flavor with Fresh Herbs
While the Italian seasoning gives the dish a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano. These herbs can be added at the end of cooking for an extra layer of freshness.
3. Use Quality Parmesan Cheese
The Parmesan cheese makes up a significant part of the creamy sauce, so use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan often lacks the same richness and depth.
4. Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition
If you want to add some veggies to the mix, consider stirring in some spinach, peas, or mushrooms. They’ll blend in perfectly with the creamy sauce and boost the nutritional value of your dish.
5. Make it a Meal
Pair this creamy pasta dish with a side salad and some garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired meal. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables would balance out the richness of the pasta beautifully.
Conclusion: A Comforting Classic to Add to Your Recipe Box
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for those nights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s perfect for the whole family.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!
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One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is the perfect dish for a cozy evening when you want something comforting and easy to make. With savory ground beef, garlic, and a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti works well)
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and onion, and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s covered by the sauce. Add a little extra water or broth if needed. Cover the pot and cook the pasta according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, remove the pot from the heat.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This recipe can be easily customized by swapping the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian protein.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give the best flavor and help thicken the sauce.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Consider adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes