One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta: A Comforting and Flavorful Meal
Introduction
Pasta lovers, rejoice! If you’re in search of a comforting, creamy, and garlicky dish that comes together in one pot, look no further than this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta. This recipe is the perfect weeknight meal—rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of savory ground beef, buttery garlic, and creamy sauce creates a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, with minimal cleanup, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Rich & Creamy: A luscious, velvety sauce coats every bite of pasta.
Garlicky Goodness: Garlic butter enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved: Even picky eaters will love this comforting dish.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups whole milk
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large pot or deep skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Once done, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The aroma of garlic butter at this stage is absolutely divine!
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and milk. Stir well to combine. Add the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once the liquid is simmering, add the pasta and stir to prevent sticking. Let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 12-15 minutes). If the liquid reduces too quickly before the pasta is fully cooked, add a bit more milk or water.
Step 5: Incorporate the Cheese and Beef
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it thick and creamy. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and cooked ground beef, stirring until everything is well incorporated.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Remove the pot from heat and let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings out the best flavor in this dish.
Choose the Right Pasta: Short-cut pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni holds the sauce well.
Add More Heat: If you love spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Make it Extra Creamy: Add more cheese or a splash of extra heavy cream at the end.
Balance the Salt: Parmesan cheese is naturally salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
Variations
Mushroom Lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth of flavor.
Spinach Boost: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for added nutrition.
Bacon Upgrade: Crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top add a smoky crunch.
Chicken Swap: Swap the beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy beef and garlic butter pasta with:
A simple green salad for freshness.
Garlic bread for extra garlicky goodness.
A glass of red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a restaurant-quality meal.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, with just one pot, cleanup is a breeze!
Give this recipe a try, and let us know what you think. Would you add any twists of your own? Let’s chat in the comments!