One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

If you’re looking for a cozy, indulgent meal that’s easy to make and requires minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect recipe for you. Tender ground beef and creamy garlic butter sauce envelop a hearty pasta, creating a rich, comforting dish that’s ready in no time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious homemade dinner without the hassle.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Rich & Flavorful – A perfect combination of creamy, garlicky goodness with savory beef.
• Hearty & Filling – A satisfying meal that will keep you full and happy.
• Minimal Ingredients – Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
• Customizable – Adjust the seasonings or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey if preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional for added flavor)
• 1 tsp dried basil (optional for an aromatic touch)

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite type)
• 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
3. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
4. Once the beef is browned, remove any excess fat if necessary, then set the beef aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same pot, add 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Let the butter melt and begin to bubble.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Stir in the dried thyme and basil if using, and cook for another 30 seconds to release the herbs’ flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, followed by 2 cups of beef broth.
2. Stir everything together and bring the broth to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese

1. When the pasta is cooked, add 1 cup of heavy cream to the pot and stir well.
2. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

Step 5: Return the Beef & Finish

1. Add the cooked beef back into the pot, stirring it in so it’s evenly distributed throughout the creamy pasta.
2. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Remove the pot from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
2. Serve the creamy beef and garlic butter pasta immediately, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect One-Pot Pasta

• Choose Your Pasta Wisely – You can use any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or farfalle for this recipe, but make sure it’s sturdy enough to absorb the creamy sauce.
• Don’t Skip the Garlic – Fresh garlic is key to the rich, aromatic flavor in this dish. Make sure to sauté it until golden but not burnt for the best flavor.
• Adjust Creaminess – If you want a thicker sauce, add a bit more Parmesan cheese or let the sauce simmer longer to thicken. For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream and use milk instead.
• Customize the Seasonings – Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices, such as oregano, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or rosemary for an earthy touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread – A classic pairing with pasta, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad – A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice balance to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables – Serve with roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added flavor and texture.
• A Glass of Wine – Pair with a light white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a great flavor combination.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store leftover creamy beef and garlic butter pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed.
• Microwave: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   • Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork can be used as an alternative to beef.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   • Yes! You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream and cheese alternative.
3. How can I make this pasta spicier?
   • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a mild heat, or stir in some chopped fresh chili for more kick.
4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
   • Definitely! You can stir in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when cooking the beef or sauté them separately and add them at the end.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, creamy sauce, savory beef, and tender pasta. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in or a busy weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With just one pot to clean and a quick cooking time, this dish is both convenient and indulgent.

Try it out for your next family dinner, and be sure to share your experience in the comments below! I’d love to hear how it turned out and any personal twists you added to the recipe. Enjoy your creamy, garlicky masterpiece!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 550 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 50g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 700mg

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