One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta – Easy, Cozy, and Irresistibly Delicious
Looking for the perfect easy weeknight dinner that delivers serious comfort and bold flavor — all in one pot? You’ve found it. This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta combines tender pasta, juicy ground beef, a savory garlic butter base, and a velvety, cheesy sauce that’s downright addictive. 🍝🧄🧀It’s the ultimate comfort meal made simple. With only one pot to clean, this recipe is ideal for busy nights, hungry kids, or when you just want something hearty and homemade without a pile of dishes in the sink.If you love one-pot meals like Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta or Beef Stroganoff Pasta, this recipe will become your new go-to!
Equipment
- Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Knife & cutting board
- Grater – for fresh Parmesan
- Optional: Ladle for serving and tongs for tossing pasta
Ingredients
Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef
Produce:
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Canned Goods:
- 3 cups beef broth low sodium preferred
- Pasta & Grains:
- 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or rotini recommended
Baking & Spices:
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Oils & Vinegars:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Dairy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups milk whole or 2%
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 🧄 Optional toppings: extra Parmesan crushed red pepper, or garlic breadcrumbs for crunch
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
✅ Drain excess grease if necessary before moving on.
Step 2: Add Pasta and Liquid
- Stir in uncooked pasta, beef broth, and milk.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
🔁 The pasta will absorb the liquid and become tender while soaking up all the flavor.
Step 3: Add Butter and Cheese
- Once pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Mix until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot, straight from the pot — family-style!
Notes
🔁 Variations
1. Cheesy Twist
Stir in ½ cup mozzarella or cheddar along with Parmesan for an ultra cheesy sauce. 2. Add Veggies
Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in Step 1 with the garlic. 3. Low-Carb Version
Use low-carb pasta or zucchini noodles (cook them separately and mix in at the end). 4. Make It Spicy
Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat lovers. 5. Creamier Option
Replace some milk with heavy cream for a richer, more decadent sauce. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer:
Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Reheating:
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different meat?
Yes — try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground beef alternative. 2. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely — just adjust cooking time and stir gently as GF pasta is more delicate. 3. What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best to hold the sauce. 4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and has better flavor. 5. How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
Stir regularly during cooking and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan. 6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just use a larger pot and increase cook time slightly. 7. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very! Omit the red pepper flakes and it’s a cheesy, comforting favorite for all ages. 8. Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes! Portion it into containers and refrigerate or freeze for grab-and-go meals. 9. Can I add tomato sauce or paste?
You can — add 1–2 tbsp tomato paste for depth or a splash of marinara for richness. 10. What herbs go well with this dish?
Try adding basil, oregano, or thyme for extra Italian flair. ✅ Conclusion
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — comforting, flavorful, quick, and easy to clean up. With the perfect balance of garlicky goodness, rich Parmesan cream, and hearty ground beef, this dish is sure to satisfy the entire family. It’s ready in 30 minutes, made in just one pot, and delivers bold, cozy flavor in every bite. Trust us — once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat. Looking for more one-pot pasta recipes? Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Beef Taco Pasta Skillet Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta
1. Cheesy Twist
Stir in ½ cup mozzarella or cheddar along with Parmesan for an ultra cheesy sauce. 2. Add Veggies
Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in Step 1 with the garlic. 3. Low-Carb Version
Use low-carb pasta or zucchini noodles (cook them separately and mix in at the end). 4. Make It Spicy
Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat lovers. 5. Creamier Option
Replace some milk with heavy cream for a richer, more decadent sauce. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer:
Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Reheating:
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different meat?
Yes — try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground beef alternative. 2. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely — just adjust cooking time and stir gently as GF pasta is more delicate. 3. What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best to hold the sauce. 4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and has better flavor. 5. How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
Stir regularly during cooking and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan. 6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just use a larger pot and increase cook time slightly. 7. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very! Omit the red pepper flakes and it’s a cheesy, comforting favorite for all ages. 8. Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes! Portion it into containers and refrigerate or freeze for grab-and-go meals. 9. Can I add tomato sauce or paste?
You can — add 1–2 tbsp tomato paste for depth or a splash of marinara for richness. 10. What herbs go well with this dish?
Try adding basil, oregano, or thyme for extra Italian flair. ✅ Conclusion
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — comforting, flavorful, quick, and easy to clean up. With the perfect balance of garlicky goodness, rich Parmesan cream, and hearty ground beef, this dish is sure to satisfy the entire family. It’s ready in 30 minutes, made in just one pot, and delivers bold, cozy flavor in every bite. Trust us — once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat. Looking for more one-pot pasta recipes? Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Beef Taco Pasta Skillet Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta