Savory One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta
Rich, creamy, and bursting with garlic butter flavor — this one-pot beef pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines the heartiness of ground beef, the silkiness of cream, and the irresistible aroma of garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it’s a dish that feels luxurious yet is incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
1. Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly. Break it apart using a wooden spoon as it cooks.
If you see too much grease, drain the excess fat — this will keep your pasta creamy without becoming greasy.
2. Add the Garlic Butter Base
Once the beef is browned, drop in the butter and let it melt completely. Then stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Sauté for about 1–2 minutes until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant — this is where the deep flavor begins to build.
3. Add the Pasta and Broth
Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet. Stir well to make sure every piece of pasta is coated in the flavorful mixture.
Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
This technique allows the pasta to cook in the sauce, soaking up all the beef and garlic butter flavors.
4. Make it Creamy
When the pasta is cooked and the broth is mostly absorbed, pour in the heavy cream. Add the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, then stir until the cheese melts completely, forming a luscious, silky sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
Let the pasta sit off the heat for 3–5 minutes — it will thicken slightly as it cools, becoming even creamier and richer.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving. For extra indulgence, add a touch more Parmesan on top or a drizzle of melted butter.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Use full-fat dairy for a richer, smoother sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta — keep an eye on it during simmering; al dente pasta holds the sauce better.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor and texture.
- Want more depth? Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire when browning the beef — it enhances the umami flavor.
- Reheating tip: If you have leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to restore the creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy beef pasta with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy toast
- A simple green salad with balsamic dressing
- Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 4 g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pot creamy garlic butter beef pasta is the perfect mix of convenience and indulgence. There’s no need to boil pasta separately or wash multiple pans — everything comes together in a single pot. The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese creates a luxurious flavor that feels restaurant-worthy, yet it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
It’s comfort food that’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and absolutely irresistible — ideal for Google searchers looking for easy one-pot meals, creamy pasta dinners, or high-CTR comfort food recipes.