Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is a total winner for a busy weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal. The rich garlic butter sauce combined with the hearty ground beef creates a satisfying flavor profile that everyone will love. The one-pot cooking method not only simplifies the process but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect go-to recipe for a quick yet indulgent meal.
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
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- 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.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables: You can mix in vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Use ground turkey or chicken: If you want a leaner option, swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Different pasta: Feel free to swap out the pasta for your favorite kind—fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth to the pasta and heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe calls for regular pasta, but you can use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While the creamy sauce may slightly change in texture when frozen, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Just be sure to let it cool before freezing.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, simply simmer the sauce for an extra few minutes before adding the pasta, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken it up.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half as a lighter alternative, though the sauce will be a little less creamy.
Can I add more garlic?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of garlic, feel free to add extra cloves to boost the flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
How do I know when the pasta is done cooking?
Check the pasta by tasting it for doneness. It should be tender but not mushy. The sauce should also be thick and creamy.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after cooking the beef and garlic, adding depth of flavor to the sauce.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is an easy, delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich flavors and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or get creative with your own variations, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring savory ground beef, garlic butter, and creamy sauce all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or weekend indulgence. Enjoy the rich flavors of tender pasta and beef in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce.
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 and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and onion, cooking 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 extra water or broth if needed. Cover and cook the pasta according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrients.
- For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken.
- If you want extra heat, stir in some red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: : American, Italian
