If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of juicy ground beef, silky garlic butter, and tender pasta, all cooked together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or simply craving something comforting and delicious, this recipe checks all the boxes—and I promise, every bite is pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet perfectly balanced to create a dish bursting with flavor and creamy goodness. Each component plays a vital role, from the savory ground beef to the aromatic garlic butter, creating a symphony of taste and texture that’s truly unforgettable.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds hearty protein and rich flavor as the base of the dish.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni): These shapes hold the sauce beautifully for every bite.
- 2 tbsp butter: Infuses the dish with creamy, luscious garlic butter goodness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that irresistible aromatic punch essential to the flavor profile.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth, balancing the savory notes.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that the pasta soaks up perfectly.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Transforms the broth into a dreamy, velvety sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory saltiness and creamy texture to the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens and layers the flavor.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that awakens the palate.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every ingredient to perfection.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes to finish.
How to Make One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat—it’s the foundation for that rich garlic butter flavor. Add your ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This process builds the meat’s flavor while creating those delicious browned bits on the bottom that make all the difference.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic with the browned beef. Cooking these until the onion is soft and the garlic fragrant fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.
Step 3: Add Broth, Pasta, and Seasoning
Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid—you want each noodle soaking up all that flavor. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat, and of course, salt and black pepper. These seasonings elevate each bite into a full-flavored experience.
Step 4: Cook Pasta Together
Cover the pot and let the pasta cook in the broth with the beef and seasonings. Keep an eye on it and give it a stir now and then to prevent sticking. After about 10 to 12 minutes, the pasta should be just right—tender but with a touch of bite, and the liquid mostly absorbed into the dish.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat and fold in the heavy cream alongside the grated Parmesan cheese. This step transforms the whole pot into a creamy, luscious sauce that coats every piece of pasta and every bit of beef in rich, cheesy bliss.
Step 6: Adjust and Garnish
Give your creation a taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Once it’s just right, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor that makes the dish pop both visually and in taste.
How to Serve One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice here, brightening the dish with its vibrant green and mild herbaceous flavor. If you want to amp things up, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of cracked black pepper right before serving—it adds a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Because this pasta is so hearty and full-bodied, go for light, crisp side dishes like a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a colorful balance. Garlic bread is an also fabulous companion to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or family gathering, serve this pasta in individual bowls garnished with parsley and a Parmesan crisp. Or, for an easy weeknight setup, plate it straight from the pot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil—you really can’t go wrong! Even serving it in rustic bread bowls can turn it into a cozy show-stopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe tastes great the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. Store your portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and it will keep nicely for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the pasta, though the texture may soften a bit after thawing. Pack it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir often to keep it creamy and evenly warmed. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage can work well in this recipe. Just be mindful of cooking times and seasoning adjustments to keep that delicious flavor balance.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The garlic butter and cream will still deliver great richness.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal because their tubes catch the creamy sauce nicely. However, feel free to use fusilli, farfalle, or any pasta you love—the key is to ensure the pasta cooks evenly in the broth.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Including crushed red pepper flakes adds heat, but you can also jazz it up with a dash of cayenne or hot paprika depending on your spice preference.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure the beef broth you use is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe has all the qualities that make a home-cooked meal truly special—it’s simple, flavorful, and comforting. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who loves rich, creamy pasta dishes without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Give it a try, and I’m sure this will become a staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!
Print
One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make meal featuring ground beef cooked with aromatic garlic and onion, simmered with pasta in beef broth, then enriched with creamy heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers a hearty, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the pasta, ensuring it is covered by the broth. Season with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Pasta Covered: Cover the pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini for best results.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
