If you’re craving comfort food that’s outrageously simple yet delicious, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta will steal the show at your dinner table. With rich, savory ground beef, a garlicky butter sauce, and creamy pasta all cooked together in one pot, it delivers pure weeknight magic with minimal cleanup. Each ingredient shines—tender noodles, aromatic garlic, smooth cream, and plenty of Parmesan—all coming together for a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this pasta checks every box for flavor, satisfaction, and convenience.

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely adore how the ingredients in this recipe are pantry-friendly yet pack a punch in taste! They’re all chosen for a reason: building the creamy, garlicky, and meaty profile that makes One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta impossible to resist. Here’s why each one matters:

Olive oil: Gives a light, fruity base to help brown the beef and meld the flavors together.
Butter: Adds richness and depth, infusing the pasta with buttery goodness.
Ground beef: The star protein that brings hearty, savory flavor to every bite.
Garlic (minced): The secret hero that brings bold, aromatic notes to the whole dish.
Italian seasoning: Just the right blend of herbs for an earthy, fragrant background.
Salt: Essential for enhancing every ingredient and balancing the overall flavor.
Black pepper: A hint of warmth that rounds out the dish.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick—skip if you want mild, add more for extra heat!
Beef broth: Deepens the meaty flavor and acts as the main liquid to cook your pasta.
Milk: Makes the sauce delightfully creamy and helps cook the pasta evenly.
Pasta (short variety): Penne or rotini are perfect for trapping the creamy sauce in every crevice.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and utterly melt-in-your-mouth—it brings that classic pasta touch.
Heavy cream: Turns everything lusciously smooth and decadent.
Chopped parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness to finish things off.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef in Buttery Goodness

Start by heating olive oil and butter together in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and starting to sizzle gently, add the ground beef. Break the beef up with a spoon as it cooks, letting it become deeply browned and caramelized—this takes about 6 to 8 minutes. The mix of oil and butter ensures incredible flavor and a perfect base for the rest of your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

With your beef beautifully browned, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and (if you like a little warmth) crushed red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for 1 to 2 minutes. As soon as that sweet garlic fragrance fills your kitchen, you’ll know you’re building the flavors that make this dish so irresistible.

Step 3: Simmer with Pasta, Broth, and Milk

Now it’s time for the magic: pour in the beef broth and milk, then add your uncooked pasta right into the pot. Stir well so every piece of pasta is surrounded by the delicious liquid. Bring it all up to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Heavy Cream

Remove the pot from the heat and add in your grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Stir until you have a smooth, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and beef. Let the pasta sit uncovered for a few minutes—this helps the sauce thicken naturally and soak into every nook and cranny.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the piping hot One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta into bowls and scatter with freshly chopped parsley if you like a fresh touch. Serve it up immediately while it’s at peak creamy, garlicky perfection!

How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan is always welcome! Chopped parsley adds freshness and brings a lovely color contrast. If you’re a spice fan, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes on top can really wake up the flavors. Even a drizzle of good olive oil elevates the richness. These little touches not only make your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta look enticing but also brighten up the flavors right before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or a simple side of garlic bread for even more comfort. Roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach will balance the richness of the dish, while a light soup like minestrone keeps things cozy on chilly nights. These sides turn your meal into a true feast without much extra work.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or just to switch things up, spoon your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta into a big serving dish and pile it high with extra Parmesan and parsley. If you’re serving kids, scoop it into colorful bowls. Mini casserole dishes also make for adorable individual servings. Or, swirl the pasta into nests on the plate and finish with a poached or fried egg for a decadent brunch vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer your pasta into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen and become even more delicious as they mingle, so One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta makes a truly satisfying lunch the next day.

Freezing

Freeze cooled servings of the pasta in airtight containers for up to two months. When freezing, consider portioning it out for easy grab-and-go meals. While the texture may change slightly after thawing due to the cream, a thorough stir and gentle reheating will restore much of its creamy character.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta gently in a pot over low heat, with a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover and stir halfway through for even warming. Your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta will taste rich, creamy, and comforting all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best because they hold the creamy sauce so well, but feel free to use your favorite or whatever you have in the pantry—just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust the liquid if needed.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re out of heavy cream, half-and-half or even whole milk can step in. The result might be a little less rich, but your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta will still be deliciously creamy. You can even add a spoonful of cream cheese for extra silkiness!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The standard recipe isn’t gluten-free due to the pasta, but you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free short pasta variety. Just watch the simmering time, as gluten-free pasta can cook faster (or slower) depending on the brand.

Can I add veggies to make it a bit healthier?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers are fantastic additions. Toss them in when you add the liquid and pasta, or sauté them with the beef for even more depth of flavor and color in your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta.

What’s the best way to make this extra cheesy?

For maximum cheesiness, use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan, as suggested in the recipe notes. Stir in extra cheese just before serving for gooey, melty goodness. You can also top the finished dish with more cheese and broil it for a minute or two for a bubbly, golden crust.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about a meal that brings everyone to the table smiling, and One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta does just that every time. Try it for yourself, share it with friends, or tuck the recipe away for busy weeknights—you’ll fall in love with how effortless and comforting this dish truly is. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a rich and comforting dinner with this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta. This dish combines savory ground beef with a creamy garlic butter sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 pound ground beef
5 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Liquid and Pasta:

3 cups beef broth
2 cups milk
12 ounces pasta (short variety like penne or rotini)

Finishing Touches:

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add Seasonings: Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and milk, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Let sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.