A rich and comforting dish featuring tender pasta enveloped in a creamy garlic butter sauce with savory ground beef, all prepared effortlessly in a single pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup required!
Rich and Creamy: The combination of beef, garlic butter, and Parmesan makes for a deliciously indulgent dish.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Customizable: Easily adapt with different pasta types or additional ingredients like mushrooms or spinach.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cups (480ml) beef broth
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
8 oz (225g) pasta shells or your choice of pasta
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté Aromatics

Add butter to the cooked beef. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Incorporate Liquids and Pasta

Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Add pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

4. Cook the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, approximately 12-15 minutes.

5. Finish the Dish

Remove the pot from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve hot, optionally with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for added depth.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella for an extra cheesy version.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach or peas for a nutritious touch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works well.

How do I make this dish lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and lean ground beef or ground turkey.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from clumping together.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar can make it even richer.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.

What side dishes pair well with this pasta?

Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables are great accompaniments.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. You may need to add a bit of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a delicious, hassle-free meal. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a comforting homemade pasta dish with minimal effort!

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is a rich and comforting dish with tender pasta, a luscious garlic butter sauce, and savory ground beef—all made in a single pot!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) ground beef
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cups (480ml) beef broth
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
8 oz (225g) pasta shells or your choice of pasta
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté Aromatics:
- Add butter to the beef. Once melted, sauté onion until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add Liquids and Pasta:
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Add pasta and submerge it in the liquid.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
Finish the Dish:
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, and mix until creamy.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Notes

For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or substitute half-and-half for a lighter version

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Lunch
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired