Okay, so you know those nights when you’re just *done*? Like, the thought of making a million dishes makes you want to just order pizza? Yeah, I’ve been there, and that’s exactly how this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe was born. Seriously, the magic is that it all cooks in *one pot*! You get this ridiculously delicious, creamy, garlicky pasta with tender beef, and the cleanup is an absolute breeze. It’s my secret weapon for getting a satisfying, flavorful dinner on the table without all the fuss. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Honestly, this dish is a lifesaver! It’s got that perfect combo of easy, delicious, and family-approved that we all need in our lives.
- Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Seriously, from start to finish, this is about 35 minutes of your time. Perfect for when you’re rushing around but still want something hearty. Prep is just 10 minutes, and cook time is only 25!
- Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Flavor: The best part? It all cooks in ONE pot. That means fewer dishes to wash, and all those amazing flavors meld together beautifully without any fuss.
- Rich, Creamy, and Satisfying: You get this incredibly luscious, creamy sauce infused with garlic butter goodness, coating tender pasta and savory beef. It’s pure comfort food that tastes way more complicated than it is.
Gathering Your Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Alright, let’s get everything ready! This is the fun part where you pull out all the goodies that are going to make this pasta sing. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward stuff you probably already have lurking in your kitchen.
The Beef and Aromatics
For the star of the show, you’ll need 1 pound of ground beef. I usually go for 80/20, but use whatever you prefer. Then, we need that amazing garlic butter flavor base, so grab 4 cloves of garlic and mince them up nice and fine. And to get things started in the pot, we’ve got 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Oh, and don’t forget your basic seasonings: 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Broth and Pasta Base
Now for the liquid that cooks the pasta and makes the sauce! You’ll want 4 cups of beef broth. Make sure it’s beef broth for that savory depth. And for the pasta itself, we’re using 12 ounces of uncooked pasta. Elbows, penne, rotini – whatever shape you have on hand works great, just make sure it’s a shape that holds sauce well!
Creamy Finish and Garnish
To get that dreamy, creamy texture, we’ll stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the end. And for that salty, cheesy goodness, have 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese ready to go. Finally, to make it look as good as it tastes, chop up about 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
Alright, let’s dive into making this amazing One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta! It’s honestly so satisfying to see everything come together in one go. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time.
Searing the Beef and Building Flavor
First things first, grab your biggest pot or a Dutch oven. We’re going to brown that pound of ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks until it’s all nicely browned. Once it’s done, carefully drain off any extra grease – nobody wants a greasy pasta! Now, toss in that tablespoon of olive oil, the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it cook for just about a minute until you can really smell that garlicky goodness. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Simmering the Pasta to Perfection
This is where the one-pot magic really happens. Pour in your 4 cups of beef broth and bring it all up to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add in your 12 ounces of uncooked pasta. Give it a good stir to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. Now, turn the heat down to medium-low, put a lid on the pot, and let it simmer away for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it’s cooked but still has a little bite to it. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.
Achieving Creamy Sauce Bliss
Once the pasta is just right and most of the liquid has been absorbed, it’s time to make it creamy! Take the pot off the heat for a second and stir in your 1/2 cup of heavy cream and that 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it all together really well until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and coats everything beautifully. Let it sit for a minute to heat through nicely. It’s going to look so rich and delicious!
The Finishing Touches
And there you have it! Your glorious One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is almost ready. Just before you serve it up, sprinkle that 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley all over the top. It adds a lovely bit of color and a fresh, bright flavor that just makes the whole dish pop. Serve it up hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
You know, even with a super simple recipe like this, a few little tricks can make your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta absolutely sing. It’s all about those small details!
Choosing the Right Pasta
When you’re making pasta all in one pot, the shape really matters. I find that shorter shapes with nooks and crannies, like rotini, penne, or even shells, are the best because they catch all that creamy sauce and get perfectly cooked. Long pasta like spaghetti can sometimes be a little tricky to stir without breaking, but it can work if you’re careful!
Adjusting Creaminess and Flavor
If your sauce seems a little too thick after you add the cream and cheese, don’t panic! Just stir in a splash more beef broth or a little extra heavy cream until it reaches that luscious consistency you’re after. And for the garlic, well, you know me – I love garlic! But if you’re not a huge fan, feel free to dial it back a bit. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away, right?
Variations of One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is fantastic as is, but it’s also super fun to play around with! You can totally tweak it to fit what you’re craving or what you have in your fridge.
Adding Vegetables for Extra Goodness
Want to sneak in some veggies? It’s so easy! Just toss in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of simmering; it’ll wilt right into the sauce. Frozen peas are also great – just add them with the pasta. Sliced mushrooms are another yummy addition; you can even sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor!
Spice it Up or Change the Herbs
If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in with the garlic is fantastic. It adds a subtle warmth that’s really nice. And while parsley is classic, don’t be afraid to try other fresh herbs! Chives, a little bit of fresh thyme, or even a sprinkle of basil at the end can give it a whole new vibe. Experiment and find your favorite combo!
Serving and Storing Your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you want to jazz things up a bit, it’s delicious with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. Honestly, though, it shines all by itself!
Serving Suggestions
A big green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect to cut through the richness of the pasta. Or, grab some good crusty bread – that’s essential for mopping up every last bit of that creamy garlic butter sauce. You really don’t need much else!
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let the pasta cool down completely first. Then, just pop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed up tight!
Reheating for Best Taste
When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is your friend for a quick fix, but I find the stovetop gives you the best texture. Just put the leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of milk or broth. Stir it gently until it’s warmed through and creamy again. It’ll taste almost as good as the first time!
Frequently Asked Questions About One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Got questions about whipping up this delicious One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta? I’ve got you covered! Here are some things people often ask.
Can I use a different type of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can totally swap it out. Ground turkey or chicken works really well and is a bit lighter. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even use some thinly sliced steak tips, just make sure to sear them quickly before adding the rest of the ingredients.
What kind of pasta is best for this dish?
The best pasta for one-pot meals are shapes that cook evenly and have little nooks to catch the sauce. Think rotini, penne, fusilli, or even shells! They grab onto that creamy sauce like nobody’s business. Long pasta like spaghetti can work, but you might need to break it up a bit to fit and stir it more carefully.
How can I make the sauce extra creamy?
For ultimate creaminess in your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, stick with full-fat heavy cream – it makes a huge difference! You can also stir in a little extra Parmesan cheese at the end, or even a tablespoon of cream cheese right with the heavy cream. That extra bit of richness is pure heaven!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Oh yes, this dish is fantastic for meal prep! It holds up really well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you reheat it, just give it a gentle stir over low heat with a tiny splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy texture. It’s a lifesaver for busy lunches or quick dinners later in the week!
Estimated Nutritional Information for One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is an estimate, of course! Things can change depending on the exact brands you use and how much you load up on that delicious sauce. But generally, you’re looking at around 650 calories per serving, with about 35g of fat, 30g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Enjoy!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta: 35 Minute Winner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious one-pot pasta dish featuring tender beef, creamy sauce, and rich garlic butter flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the uncooked pasta and stir. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use butter instead of olive oil.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more beef broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy beef pasta, garlic butter pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal