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One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
About This Recipe
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance—savory browned beef, the depth of garlic butter, the smooth richness of cream, and the sharp bite of Parmesan cheese. All of it simmers with pasta, so the noodles soak up flavor rather than just being coated at the end. It’s hearty, indulgent, and versatile, making it ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here are a few reasons it stands out:
1. One-Pot Convenience: Less cleanup means more time enjoying dinner and less time scrubbing pans.
2. Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy cream sauce, and adults appreciate the richness balanced with garlic and herbs.
3. Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples like pasta, ground beef, and butter turn into something restaurant-worthy.
4. Customizable: Swap proteins, add vegetables, or spice it up depending on your preferences.
5. Meal Prep Ready: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for lunches or busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef – Lean beef works well, but 80/20 adds extra flavor.
- 12 ounces pasta – Penne, rotini, or shells hold the sauce best.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – The star of the garlic butter base.
- 5 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic brings bold flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 4 cups beef broth – Infuses the pasta with savory flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Creates a silky sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A balanced blend of herbs.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – Adds subtle smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – A hint of heat.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Sharp and salty for creaminess.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Fresh parsley – For garnish and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base
Add the remaining butter to the pot. Stir in garlic and onion, cooking until softened and aromatic, about 3 minutes. This step is crucial—it layers flavor into the dish from the beginning.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth
Add uncooked pasta directly to the pot with the garlic butter mixture. Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a boil. Lower to medium heat and cook for about 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the browned beef back to the pot. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. It melts into the sauce, giving it body and richness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm. The pasta is rich on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Variations & Add-Ins
Protein Swaps: Try Italian sausage, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini during cooking for extra nutrition.
Cheese Options: Mix in mozzarella for a gooey texture or use Asiago for a sharper bite.
Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use whole milk thickened with cornstarch.
Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage instead of beef and add more red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with sides:
- Garlic Bread: The perfect vehicle for extra sauce.
- Fresh Salad: A Caesar salad or simple greens with lemon vinaigrette balance the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add color and texture.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or Merlot complements the creamy sauce and beef.
Tips for Best Results
- Stir pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overcook—al dente pasta ensures the best texture.
- Add Parmesan off the heat to avoid clumping.
- Use freshly minced garlic rather than pre-chopped for stronger flavor.
- If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
Values may vary depending on pasta type, beef percentage, and cheese used. To reduce calories, use lean ground beef and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
FAQ
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells works best as they hold onto the creamy sauce.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely—use gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, cook as directed, let cool, and refrigerate. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to revive the sauce.
Does this freeze well?
Creamy pastas can be frozen, but the texture changes slightly. If freezing, undercook the pasta a bit and reheat with added cream or broth to restore creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Gently warm on the stove over medium heat with extra cream or broth, or microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring in between.
Final Notes
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Quick, affordable, and full of flavor, it’s the perfect recipe to add to your collection of weeknight favorites.