If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect dish to make. Not only is it a comfort food classic, but it’s also made in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup and more time spent enjoying your meal. This recipe brings together rich garlic butter, hearty ground beef, and perfectly cooked pasta, all in a creamy sauce that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing for a weekend family gathering, this dish will definitely satisfy your taste buds.
For those interested in discovering even more one-pot dishes, check out this collection of easy recipes that will streamline your cooking process without compromising on flavor.
Why One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a Must-Try
One-pot meals are perfect for anyone who loves delicious, fuss-free cooking. Imagine enjoying a meal that requires just one pot, saving you time and effort. The creamy garlic butter sauce combined with savory ground beef and pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that requires minimal preparation. It’s a recipe that will become a household favorite in no time.
Additionally, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to worry about dirtying up a bunch of pots and pans; everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. If you’re new to making creamy pasta dishes, we recommend reading these helpful tips for making creamy pasta dishes that will ensure your sauce comes out smooth and delicious.
Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta. The ingredients are simple but come together beautifully to create a rich and savory meal.
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Ground beef: 1 lb (adds protein and richness to the dish)
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Butter: 4 tbsp (creates the base for the garlic butter sauce)
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Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (adds that signature garlic flavor)
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Onion: 1 medium, chopped (adds depth of flavor)
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Beef broth: 3 cups (provides liquid for cooking the pasta and adds savoriness)
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Heavy cream: 1 cup (for creaminess and richness)
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Pasta: 8 oz (choose your favorite pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini)
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Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (grated, for a cheesy, savory finish)
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Italian seasoning: 1 tsp (adds a touch of herby flavor)
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Salt and pepper: to taste (for seasoning)
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Fresh parsley: for garnish (optional, for color and freshness)
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, so be sure to gather everything before you start cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow the steps below to make this delicious meal in no time:
1. Cook the Ground Beef
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Heat a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Be sure to drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
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Once the beef is cooked, add the butter to the pot. Let it melt, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add Liquids and Pasta
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Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add the pasta to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Stir to combine.
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Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer and Cook the Pasta
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Let the mixture simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb the liquids and cook in the flavorful broth and cream.
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This process should take about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
5. Finish the Dish
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Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will help thicken the sauce and add a cheesy richness.
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Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for variations:
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Add a spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers for a spicy twist.
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Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
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Boost the veggie factor: Throw in some spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers to add more vegetables to the dish.
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Cheesy upgrade: For an extra cheesy, gooey version, top the pasta with shredded mozzarella before serving.
By making a few simple substitutions, you can easily tailor this dish to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional value per serving of this creamy beef pasta:
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Calories: 600-700
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Protein: 30g
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Carbs: 50g
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Fat: 35g
If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can reduce the amount of butter or swap the heavy cream for half-and-half. Additionally, you could use lean ground turkey instead of beef to cut down on fat and calories.
Serving Suggestions
This one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is rich and hearty, making it a perfect main dish. However, if you’d like to round out your meal, here are some delicious sides to serve alongside:
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A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
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Warm garlic bread or crusty baguette to mop up the creamy sauce.
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Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini, for a light, healthy side.
For beverages, pair the pasta with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or another crisp white wine to complement the creamy texture of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for short pasta like penne or fusilli, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the pasta you choose.
How do I make this dish lighter?
To make the dish lighter, you can:
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Use ground turkey or chicken breast instead of beef.
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Replace heavy cream with a lighter option, like half-and-half or even milk.
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Use less butter or swap it out for olive oil to reduce fat content.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Swap the ground beef for a vegetarian protein like lentils, crumbled tempeh, or mushrooms. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth, and you’re good to go!
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce.
What can I serve this pasta with?
Pair this dish with a light side salad, steamed vegetables, or a loaf of fresh bread. It also works wonderfully with a side of roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables.
Conclusion
This one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, saving you time on cleanup and giving you more time to enjoy your meal. This dish is versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe will not disappoint.
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One-Pot Creamy Beef
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick, easy, and comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring rich garlic butter, savory ground beef, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add butter and chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Add pasta and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Customize with extra veggies, red pepper flakes for heat, or swap beef for ground turkey. Leftovers store well for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy beef pasta, garlic butter pasta, easy dinner