Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

The richness of this dish comes from a combination of creamy Parmesan, savory beef, and aromatic garlic butter, all married in one pot to create a velvety pasta experience. It’s a foolproof recipe that brings gourmet taste to your weeknight table with minimal effort.

Perfect for busy evenings, this one-pot creamy beef pasta delivers comfort in a bowl. With simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you get a hearty, satisfying dish that tastes like it took hours, but is ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for leftovers, this recipe is a keeper.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) ground beef
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups beef broth
2 cups milk
8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli work great)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Pour in the beef broth and milk, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Stir in the pasta, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
Uncover the pot, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 580 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta: The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food

There’s something universally comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s packed with the savory flavors of garlic butter and hearty ground beef. This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe is the ultimate solution for those hectic evenings when you need something delicious, satisfying, and fast. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a luscious, indulgent meal that’s as family-friendly as it is flavor-packed.

This dish has become a staple in many homes because it delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup. The beauty lies in its simplicity, no multiple pans, no fussy steps just one pot, one stove, and a crave-worthy dinner in 30 minutes flat. If you’re looking to impress without the stress, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons why this pasta recipe should be in your regular rotation:

1. One-Pot Wonder

This dish brings everything together in a single pot. That means fewer dishes, quicker cleanup, and more time to relax or spend with your family after dinner.

2. Perfect Flavor Balance

The richness of ground beef is complemented beautifully by the mellow, nutty notes of Parmesan cheese and the bold aroma of garlic butter. Milk and cream bind it all into a smooth, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta.

3. Versatile and Customizable

You can adapt this recipe to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Prefer turkey over beef? Go for it. Want to sneak in some veggies? Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli would make perfect additions.

4. Family-Friendly Favorite

Kids and adults alike love the creamy texture and savory beefy goodness of this dish. It’s rich without being overwhelming and feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this dish truly special:

Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds a hearty, protein-rich base. It’s flavorful and quick to cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Butter and Garlic: This classic combo infuses the whole dish with a deeply savory aroma. Butter adds richness while garlic brings bold flavor—together, they form a delicious base for the sauce.
Onion: Adds a layer of sweetness and depth to balance the savory and creamy components. Finely chopping it ensures it melts into the sauce seamlessly.
Beef Broth and Milk: This duo creates the liquid base to cook the pasta while building the sauce. The broth brings umami, while milk lends creaminess and body.
Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini work best, as they hold the sauce well. Choose your favorite or whatever’s in the pantry.
Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: These turn the cooked mixture into a luxuriously creamy pasta dish. Parmesan adds a salty, umami-rich finish that complements the garlic and beef perfectly.
Seasonings: A touch of salt, black pepper, and optionally red pepper flakes help balance the richness and give the dish a subtle kick.
Fresh Parsley: A simple garnish that adds color and a fresh contrast to the creamy richness.

Cooking Tips for Success

Brown the Beef Properly: Take the time to brown the ground beef well. This not only improves the texture but also enhances the flavor through caramelization.
Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest results, opt for whole milk and heavy cream. Lower-fat options can be used, but they may result in a thinner sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. It should be tender but still firm to the bite, al dente perfection.
Add Cheese Off Heat: Stir in the Parmesan after removing the pot from heat to prevent curdling and to preserve its nutty, creamy texture.

Variations and Add-ins

This recipe is already amazing as written, but here are a few ideas if you want to switch it up:

Protein Swaps: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
Add Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, kale, mushrooms, peas, or chopped zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking.
Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a bit of heat.
Cheese Lovers: Add shredded mozzarella or cream cheese for an even richer, more indulgent dish.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can round out the dinner table with a few simple sides:

Garlic Bread: Because more garlic is always a good idea.
Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the creamy pasta beautifully.
Roasted Veggies: Try oven-roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for extra nutrients and crunch.

Pair with a glass of red wine like Merlot or a light-bodied white like Chardonnay for a cozy dinner you’ll want to repeat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, this dish stores and reheats well:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Pro Tip: This pasta thickens as it sits, so don’t be shy about adding a bit of liquid to bring it back to life.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the kind of recipe that turns a chaotic day into a cozy evening. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and convenience, loaded with flavor, and easy enough for anyone to make. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a soul-soothing dish, this recipe checks every box.

With its creamy texture, garlicky depth, and beefy richness, this pasta is more than just a weeknight dinner, it’s a hug in a bowl. And best of all, you’ll only have one pot to clean afterward. Now that’s what we call kitchen magic.

Pin2

2 Shares