If you are looking for a meal that is both flavorful and fuss-free, you absolutely have to try the One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. This dish combines juicy ground beef with rich garlic butter and perfectly cooked pasta, all simmered together in one pan for an effortless, comforting meal. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something truly special, without sending you on a wild ingredient chase or demanding hours in the kitchen. The blend of savory beef, aromatic garlic, and melty parmesan creates such a satisfying balance that it will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in making the dish taste incredible. From the hearty ground beef that forms the meaty base to the fragrant garlic butter that elevates every bite, these basics come together to create something truly delicious and visually appealing.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the rich, savory protein central to the dish.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and helps develop the luscious garlic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced: Infuses the pasta with that irresistible garlic aroma and taste.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic taste with a subtle layer of depth.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Offers a hint of sweetness and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Gives a gentle tang that brightens the beef’s flavor.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the flavours and seasons the dish perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mellow, spicy kick.
- 3 cups (24 ounces) chicken broth: The liquid that cooks the pasta and creates a savory sauce.
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta: Its spiral shape holds the sauce beautifully for every bite.
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated: For a nutty, cheesy garnish that complements the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note at the end.
How to Make One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, stirring often, until it’s no longer pink. This step builds the meaty foundation that makes the dish so hearty. Once cooked through, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily, then set the beef aside for a moment.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, melt the butter slowly—this creates the perfect base for your garlic to bloom. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for about one minute. You’ll want to hear the gentle sizzle and smell the intoxicating aroma without letting the garlic brown or burn, which keeps the flavour sweet and mellow.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the garlic butter, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so every morsel of beef gets coated in those flavorful seasonings. This combination layers multiple taste dimensions without complicating the process.
Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and immediately add the cavatappi pasta. Give everything a good stir to prevent sticking and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the broth—about 12 to 15 minutes. This step melds all the flavors and creates a silky sauce that clings to every noodle.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese all over the top and finish with fresh chopped parsley. This final touch adds a burst of freshness and richness that pulls the whole dish together beautifully. Serve it warm and watch how quickly it disappears at the table!
How to Serve One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley not only elevates the dish visually but also enhances the taste by adding creamy, salty, and herbal notes. You can also consider a drizzle of extra melted butter or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want just a little kick.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a meal all on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. Light, refreshing sides balance the richness of the pasta and beef perfectly, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just mix up your usual family dinner routine, try serving this pasta in mini cast iron skillets or rustic ceramic bowls. A sprinkle of extra parmesan or a few whole garlic cloves roasted until tender on the side also makes the presentation feel special and indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the pasta even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save this for a future meal, let the pasta cool completely, then freeze it in portioned containers. It’s best eaten within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through but avoid overcooking the pasta to keep it tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While cavatappi is great for holding sauce, feel free to use penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed since pasta shapes cook differently.
Is ground turkey or chicken a good substitute for the ground beef?
Yes, you can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the flavor will be milder, so you might want to adjust the seasoning to taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The garlic butter and seasonings still pack plenty of flavor!
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Stirring occasionally while the pasta cooks in the broth helps keep it from clumping. Also, make sure the liquid is boiling gently and not too rapidly, which can cause the pasta to stick or break apart.
What can I do if the sauce is too thin?
If you find the sauce a bit too liquidy after cooking, simply let the skillet simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, stir in a little extra grated parmesan to thicken and enrich the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe that makes it a game-changer in home cooking. It is easy enough for weeknights yet tasty enough to serve to friends without a single compromise. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy the unbeatable comfort of a dish that’s all about big flavors made simply, with love.
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One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe is a quick and delicious meal combining savory ground beef with fragrant garlic butter, tender cavatappi pasta, and rich chicken broth, all cooked together in a single skillet. Garnished with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
- 3 cups (24 ounces) chicken broth
Garlic Butter and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
- fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper over the beef and stir well to coat the meat evenly with the seasonings and garlic butter.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and add the cavatappi pasta. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once the pasta is cooked and the broth has mostly absorbed, remove from heat. Garnish generously with grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Drain the excess grease from the beef to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Use a skillet with a lid to ensure the pasta cooks evenly in the broth.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor.
- Add a splash of cream or milk at the end for a creamier texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
