If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup, you are going to love this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. This dish boasts tender pasta infused with a rich, garlicky beef broth, elevated by buttery cheese goodness that melts right into every bite. It’s a perfect weeknight supper that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple, combining savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and two kinds of melty cheeses—all cooked in a single pot for maximum ease and flavor. Once you try it, this recipe will surely become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is all it takes to nail the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly cheesy flavors. Each one plays a vital role: from the robust flavor of ground beef to the silky texture the butter and cheeses add, plus the freshness of the parsley garnish for a pop of color.
- Olive oil: For a smooth start that helps brown the beef beautifully without sticking.
- Ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich flavor and satisfying protein.
- Garlic: Minced fresh to infuse the dish with irresistible aromatic depth.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that lifts the savory profile with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to season and enhance every component perfectly.
- Butter: Adds creaminess and a hint of indulgence blending into the sauce.
- Beef broth: The soul of the one-pot sauce, lending a savory, meaty richness.
- Milk: To bring a luscious, creamy texture without heaviness.
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): Your choice of shapes that hold onto that scrumptious sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Sharp, salty, and perfect for flavor depth and a bit of tang.
- Mozzarella cheese: For gooey, melty creaminess that makes each bite heavenly.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For fresh green color and a light herbal finish.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating that olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it has completely browned and lost its pink color, breaking it up into small pieces with your spoon. The sizzling sound and rich aroma are the first signs of flavor building in this recipe. Remember to drain excess grease if there’s too much to keep the sauce from getting oily.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base
Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell that mouthwatering garlic aroma. Then add the butter directly to the pot and allow it to melt, tying together the robust beef flavors and fragrant herbs into a silky mixture that will soon soak into the pasta.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring well to combine with the beef and garlic butter mixture. Toss in the uncooked pasta and give it a thorough stir to make sure no dry pasta is sticking to the bottom. Bring the contents to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. This simmering phase is where the pasta absorbs all those rich, flavorful liquids and cooks to tender perfection.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender and Cheesy
After 12 to 15 minutes of simmering, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, the pasta should be perfectly tender with most of the liquid absorbed. Now it’s time for the grand finale: stirring in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Watch as the cheeses melt into a creamy, velvety sauce coating every piece of pasta and beef, delivering that irresistible gooey texture you crave. Give it a taste and adjust seasonings if needed to reach your ideal balance.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a burst of vibrant green but also a subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. It’s the perfect finishing touch that makes the dish feel fresh and complete.
Side Dishes
This rich pasta pairs beautifully with simple, crisp sides like a green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls can also soak up any leftover creamy sauce, making your meal even more comforting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this hearty pasta straight from the pot family-style for a cozy feel, or plate it individually with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few shavings of Parmesan on top. For a festive touch, add a handful of toasted pine nuts or a dash of red pepper flakes to give it a little kick and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe holds up wonderfully when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or a quick next-day dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, do so without the parsley garnish. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months for optimum flavor and texture after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to revive that creamy texture. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce stays smooth and the cheese doesn’t clump or harden.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be excellent alternatives, adjusting cooking time as needed. Just keep in mind the flavor will be milder, so you might want to boost your seasonings accordingly.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, or shell pasta are ideal because their shapes trap the delicious sauce well. However, you can use any short pasta you have on hand—just aim for something that cooks evenly within the liquid timeframe.
Is it okay to use low-fat milk or a dairy-free substitute?
You can swap regular milk for low-fat or dairy-free versions like almond or oat milk. The sauce might be slightly less rich but will still come together nicely thanks to the cheeses and butter.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just replace the pasta with your favorite gluten-free version. The cooking time may vary slightly, so watch closely while simmering to achieve tender pasta.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Try adding red pepper flakes during the garlic butter step or serve with a spicy hot sauce on the side. This recipe welcomes a bit of heat to balance the creamy richness beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a dish that comes together in one pot without sacrificing flavor or comfort, and this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe hits all those notes perfectly. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or treating yourself after a long day, this pasta delivers a warm hug of beefy, cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever managed weeknight dinners without it!
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One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is cooked with fragrant garlic and Italian seasoning, then simmered with pasta in a rich blend of beef broth and milk. Finished with a creamy blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, this dish is flavorful, cheesy, and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes using only one pot.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté garlic and seasonings: Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the butter and allow it to melt into the mixture.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in beef broth and milk, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cheese: Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes during cooking.
- You can swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different cheese profile.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
