One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Night
Craving something warm, rich, full of flavor, and ready in a single pot? Meet your new go-to: One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta. 🧄🍝🧈 This deliciously satisfying meal combines hearty ground beef, aromatic garlic, tender pasta, and a silky, cheesy cream sauce — all made in just one pot for the easiest cleanup ever.
Whether you're cooking for the whole family or treating yourself to a weeknight indulgence, this dish is comforting, quick, and packed with cozy vibes. ❤️
Ingredients
🥩 Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef
🧄 Vegetables & Herbs:
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small handful fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
🍝 Pantry & Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or shells work best
- 3 cups beef broth
🧂 Seasonings:
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional for spice
- ½ tsp salt
🧈 Dairy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
🫒 Oils:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Garlic
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (6–8 minutes).
- Add garlic and stir until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Pasta
- Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Add dry pasta to the pot and stir to coat in the beef mixture.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Milk
- Add beef broth and milk.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender (about 12–15 minutes).
Step 4: Finish with Butter and Cheese
- Once pasta is cooked and most of the liquid absorbed, stir in the butter and parmesan cheese.
- Continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and clings to the pasta.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
🔄 Variations
Make It Spicier: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef Cheesy Twist: Mix in mozzarella or cheddar for extra richness Veggie Boost: Stir in baby spinach, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini Low Carb: Use zucchini noodles or a low-carb pasta substitute 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of milk to rehydrate the sauce. Freezing:
This dish freezes well — allow to cool fully, store in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different meat?
Yes — ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat will work. 2. What kind of pasta is best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni works best for even cooking and sauce absorption. 3. Can I use half-and-half instead of milk?
Yes — it will make the dish even richer. 4. Will almond milk or oat milk work?
They can, but avoid flavored varieties. The result may be slightly thinner. 5. Can I make it ahead?
Yes — it reheats well with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. 6. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, though freshly grated melts more smoothly. 7. What’s the best pot for this recipe?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal. 8. Is the red pepper flakes spicy?
Only mildly — skip it for a milder flavor or double it for extra heat. 9. Can I use water instead of broth?
You can, but broth adds more flavor. If using water, add an extra pinch of salt. 10. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely — it’s creamy, cheesy, and very mild when made without pepper flakes. 💡 Pro Tips
Don't overcook the pasta — it continues to cook slightly in the hot sauce. Use whole milk or 2% for a creamier texture. Brown the beef well to develop maximum flavor. Fresh garlic > garlic powder for rich aroma and taste. Taste before serving and adjust salt or cheese to your preference. 🏁 Conclusion
If you're looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum flavor, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is it. 🧄🍝 Creamy, cheesy, savory, and just a little spicy — it’s everything a comfort meal should be. Whether you're feeding the family or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish promises big rewards for very little effort. Comfort food, simplified — and made all in one pot! 🫶
Make It Spicier: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef Cheesy Twist: Mix in mozzarella or cheddar for extra richness Veggie Boost: Stir in baby spinach, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini Low Carb: Use zucchini noodles or a low-carb pasta substitute 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of milk to rehydrate the sauce. Freezing:
This dish freezes well — allow to cool fully, store in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different meat?
Yes — ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat will work. 2. What kind of pasta is best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni works best for even cooking and sauce absorption. 3. Can I use half-and-half instead of milk?
Yes — it will make the dish even richer. 4. Will almond milk or oat milk work?
They can, but avoid flavored varieties. The result may be slightly thinner. 5. Can I make it ahead?
Yes — it reheats well with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. 6. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, though freshly grated melts more smoothly. 7. What’s the best pot for this recipe?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal. 8. Is the red pepper flakes spicy?
Only mildly — skip it for a milder flavor or double it for extra heat. 9. Can I use water instead of broth?
You can, but broth adds more flavor. If using water, add an extra pinch of salt. 10. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely — it’s creamy, cheesy, and very mild when made without pepper flakes. 💡 Pro Tips
Don't overcook the pasta — it continues to cook slightly in the hot sauce. Use whole milk or 2% for a creamier texture. Brown the beef well to develop maximum flavor. Fresh garlic > garlic powder for rich aroma and taste. Taste before serving and adjust salt or cheese to your preference. 🏁 Conclusion
If you're looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum flavor, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is it. 🧄🍝 Creamy, cheesy, savory, and just a little spicy — it’s everything a comfort meal should be. Whether you're feeding the family or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish promises big rewards for very little effort. Comfort food, simplified — and made all in one pot! 🫶