One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

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Okay friends, let me tell you about this one-pot creamy garlic butter beef pasta that’s basically become my superhero meal for busy weeknights. Moreover, you know those evenings when you’re exhausted from work, the kids are hungry, and the last thing you want is a kitchen disaster with multiple pots and pans? Fortunately, this creamy beef pasta recipe is THE answer for those chaotic moments.

In fact, it’s got everything you crave – juicy ground beef swimming in garlic butter, loads of that rich garlicky goodness, and the kind of creamy cheese sauce that makes you do a little happy dance. Additionally, this one-pot pasta magic happens all in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and more time for relaxing. Win-win!

Whether you’re meal planning for the week ahead, need a family-friendly dinner solution, or just want restaurant-quality pasta without the price tag, this recipe delivers every single time. Best of all, it’s completely customizable to your family’s preferences.

Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta served in a black cast iron skillet on a rustic wooden table. — Delicious creamy beef pasta cooked in one pot, served hot in a black skillet with a rustic wood background.

Why This Recipe Is a Total Game-Changer

This isn’t just any old pasta dish – it’s like comfort food had a baby with convenience, and somehow it turned out gorgeous. First of all, the beef gets incredibly flavorful from cooking in garlic butter (I mean, come on). Then, the pasta soaks up all that beefy broth goodness, and finally we make it ridiculously creamy with a three-cheese blend. As a result, it’s basically a hug in a bowl.

Furthermore, the whole thing takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for weeknight meal prep or when you need dinner on the table fast. In addition, it’s budget-friendly – you can feed a family of four for under $15, which beats takeout any day of the week.

Why home cooks love this recipe:

First, one-pot cooking means less dishes (your dishwasher will thank you)
Second, it’s perfect for meal planning and batch cooking
Also, it’s kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Moreover, it uses affordable, everyday ingredients
Additionally, it scales easily for meal prep containers
Finally, it’s freezer-friendly for busy weeks

Essential Kitchen Equipment & Tools You’ll Need

Before we dive into cooking, let’s talk about the kitchen gear that’ll make this recipe even easier. Indeed, having the right cookware makes ALL the difference!

Must-Have Cookware:

Large Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven (12-inch minimum) This is your MVP for one-pot recipes. In fact, I highly recommend investing in a quality nonstick skillet or enameled cast iron Dutch oven. For instance, brands like Le Creuset, Lodge, or Calphalon work beautifully for this recipe. Moreover, a deep pan prevents splattering and gives you room to stir without making a mess.

What to look for when buying:

First, a heavy bottom for even heat distribution
Second, deep sides (at least 3 inches) to accommodate pasta and liquid
Third, a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and cook pasta properly
Finally, oven-safe handles if you want versatility

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula You’ll need something sturdy to break up the ground beef and stir the pasta. On one hand, wooden spoons are gentle on nonstick surfaces, while on the other hand, silicone spatulas are heat-resistant and flexible.

Sharp Chef’s Knife For chopping garlic and fresh parsley. In particular, a quality 8-inch chef’s knife makes prep work so much faster. For example, brands like Wüsthof, Victorinox, or Shun are worth the investment.

Measuring Cups and Spoons Accurate measurements ensure perfect results every time. Personally, I love stainless steel measuring sets because they’re durable and dishwasher-safe.

Nice-to-Have Kitchen Tools:

Garlic Press or Mincer Makes quick work of garlic prep. In fact, if you cook with garlic often (and you should!), this tool is a time-saver.

Box Grater for Cheese Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded. Similarly, a quality box grater with multiple grating sizes is super versatile.

Digital Kitchen Timer Helps you nail that perfect pasta texture every time.

Ladle Consequently, this makes serving this saucy pasta easier and less messy.

Complete Shopping List & Ingredient Guide

Here’s everything you need to grab at the grocery store – most of this stuff you probably already have in your pantry! However, it’s worth checking before you start cooking.

The Main Ingredients:

1 lb Ground Beef I usually go with 80/20 ground beef – that little bit of fat adds incredible flavor without being too greasy. Alternatively, you can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option, or try ground Italian sausage for extra flavor.

Where to buy: Look for sales at your local grocery store. Otherwise, buy in bulk from warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club to save money.

8 oz Short Pasta Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle all work great. Actually, the shape doesn’t matter as much as choosing a pasta with ridges or curves that’ll hold onto that creamy sauce.

Pasta buying tips: Bronze-cut pasta (usually in specialty sections) has a rougher texture that sauce clings to better. For instance, brands like Barilla, De Cecco, or store brands all work perfectly.

4 cups Beef Broth Go for low-sodium beef broth so you can control the salt level. Alternatively, Better Than Bouillon beef base is also fantastic – just mix with water according to package directions.

Quality matters: Organic or bone broth adds even more flavor and nutrients. Therefore, look for broths with minimal ingredients and no MSG.

The Flavor Builders:

1 tbsp Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor. However, keep it in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

3 tbsp Butter Real butter (not margarine!) makes a huge difference. Specifically, I prefer unsalted so I can control seasoning, but salted works too – just reduce added salt.

4 Garlic Cloves Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that amazing aroma and flavor. Nevertheless, jarred minced garlic works in a pinch, but fresh is always better.

1 tsp Italian Seasoning A blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. For example, McCormick and Simply Organic make good versions, or make your own blend!

1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adds a subtle kick. However, skip if you’re cooking for kids or prefer mild flavors.

1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika This adds such a nice smoky depth. In contrast, regular paprika works too, but smoked is special.

Salt & Black Pepper Sea salt or kosher salt for seasoning. Additionally, freshly ground black pepper tastes way better than pre-ground.

The Creamy Dream Team:

1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Buy a block and grate it yourself – it melts smoother and tastes better than the pre-shredded stuff. Indeed, Parmigiano-Reggiano is the gold standard.

1/2 cup Heavy Cream Also called heavy whipping cream. However, don’t substitute with half-and-half or milk – you need that fat content for proper creaminess.

1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully. In this case, pre-shredded is fine here for convenience.

2 tbsp Fresh Parsley For garnish and a pop of freshness. Specifically, Italian flat-leaf parsley has the best flavor.

Close-up of One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta served on a rustic ceramic plate, garnished with parsley. — Hearty and comforting One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta ready to serve on a rustic ceramic plate.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions (With Pro Tips!)

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef (8 minutes)

First, heat your olive oil in your large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (about 1-2 minutes), add the ground beef. Next, use your wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks.

Pro cooking tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan or the beef will steam instead of brown. Instead, if needed, brown in two batches for better caramelization and flavor.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely browned with no pink remaining. Importantly, you want some crispy brown bits on the beef – that’s where the flavor lives!

Fat management: If you used higher-fat beef and there’s excessive grease (more than 2 tablespoons), carefully drain some off into a heat-safe container. Nevertheless, leave a little fat behind for flavor.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base (3 minutes)

This is where the magic starts! First, add your butter directly to the pan with the cooked beef. Then, let it melt completely, swirling the pan to coat everything.

Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt (about 1/2 tsp to start), and black pepper (1/4 tsp). After that, stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until your kitchen smells absolutely incredible.

Critical tip: Watch the garlic carefully – it should become fragrant and lightly golden, but NOT brown or burned. Otherwise, burnt garlic tastes bitter and will ruin your dish. Therefore, keep the heat at medium and stir constantly during this step.

Step 3: Add Pasta & Broth (15 minutes)

Pour in all 4 cups of beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with your spoon to release any flavorful brown bits. In fact, that’s called deglazing, and it’s restaurant technique gold!

Next, add your uncooked pasta right to the pan. Yep, dry pasta straight from the box – that’s the beauty of one-pot cooking! Then, give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

Increase the heat to high and bring everything to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, immediately reduce heat to medium-low and cover with your lid. After that, let it simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking.

Troubleshooting tips:

If the pasta starts to stick or the liquid evaporates too quickly, simply add 1/2 cup more broth or water
Different pasta brands absorb liquid at different rates, so check at 10 minutes and adjust accordingly
Finally, the pasta should be al dente (tender with a slight bite) when done

Step 4: Make It Ridiculously Creamy (3 minutes)

Once your pasta is perfectly tender and has absorbed most of the broth (there should be just a little liquid remaining in the pan), it’s time for the grand finale!

First, turn the heat down to low. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella, stirring continuously until everything melts into a gorgeous, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta.

Cheese melting secrets:

First, add cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping
Second, keep the heat LOW – high heat can cause cheese to become grainy or stringy
Third, if the sauce seems too thick, add 1-4 cup of pasta cooking water or extra broth to thin it out
Finally, for extra richness, add an additional tablespoon of butter at this stage

Step 5: Rest & Thicken (5 minutes)

Turn off the heat completely and let the pasta sit uncovered for about 5 minutes. Admittedly, I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but this resting time is crucial!

As it sits, the sauce will thicken and cling to the pasta better. Furthermore, the flavors also have time to meld together beautifully. In essence, this is restaurant technique 101 – patience makes perfection!

Step 6: The Finishing Touches

Right before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. As a result, this adds a nice pop of color and freshness that balances all that rich, cheesy goodness.

Optional finishing touches:

Additionally, extra grated Parmesan on top
Also, a drizzle of good quality olive oil
Moreover, freshly cracked black pepper
Finally, a pinch more red pepper flakes for heat lovers

Recipe Variations & Customization Ideas

Want to switch things up? Here are tested variations that all work beautifully:

Protein Swaps:

Ground Turkey: Leaner option, cooks the same way
Italian Sausage: Remove casings, adds amazing herbs and spice
Ground Chicken: Mild flavor, budget-friendly
Plant-Based Ground: Similarly, Beyond or Impossible meat works great
Diced Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, brown first

Vegetable Add-Ins:

Baby Spinach: Stir in 2 cups at the end until wilted
Mushrooms: Meanwhile, sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the beef
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add 1/2 cup chopped for tangy flavor
Bell Peppers: Dice and cook with the garlic
Zucchini: Diced small, added during last 5 minutes of cooking
Cherry Tomatoes: Halve and stir in at the end

Pasta Shape Options:

Penne (classic choice)
Rigatoni (large tubes hold lots of sauce)
Farfalle (bowties look pretty)
Shells (trap the creamy sauce inside)
Cavatappi (spiral shaped, super fun)
Fusilli (twists hold sauce well)

Cheese Variations:

Add cream cheese for extra creaminess (2-3 oz)
Alternatively, try Gruyere instead of mozzarella for nutty flavor
Use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for sharper taste
Similarly, mix in some Fontina for buttery richness

Spice Level Adjustments:

Mild: Skip red pepper flakes entirely
Medium: Use amount as written
Spicy: Conversely, double red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper
Extra Bold: Instead, use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef

Perfect Side Dishes & Meal Planning Ideas

This hearty pasta is pretty much a complete meal on its own. However, here are perfect pairings for when you want to round out your dinner:

Easy Side Salads:

Classic Caesar Salad: Romaine, homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan
Simple Mixed Greens: Spring mix with balsamic vinaigrette and cherry tomatoes
Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula with lemon, olive oil, and shaved Parmesan
Greek Salad: Cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and red onion

Bread Options:

Garlic Bread: Buy frozen or make your own with butter, garlic, and herbs
Breadsticks: Great for dipping in extra sauce
Focaccia: Soft Italian flatbread with olive oil
Dinner Rolls: Soft and buttery, perfect for soaking up sauce

Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted Broccoli: Toss with olive oil, salt, and roast at 425°F for 20 minutes
Roasted Asparagus: Simple, elegant, and seasonal
Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and caramelized from the oven
Roasted Carrots: Sweet and tender, great color contrast

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

Red Wine: Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot
White Wine: Alternatively, Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
Budget-Friendly: Look for wines in the $10-15 range that pair well with beef and cream

Meal Prep & Planning Tips:

Make it a meal prep winner:

First, double the recipe and portion into meal prep containers for the week
Second, pair with pre-washed salad mix for quick lunches
Third, store in glass containers (Pyrex or similar) for easy reheating
Finally, label with date and reheating instructions

Weekly meal planning strategy:

Make this on Sunday for easy Monday/Tuesday dinners
Alternatively, freeze half for a future busy week
Furthermore, pair with different sides throughout the week for variety

Storage, Reheating & Food Safety Guide

Refrigerator Storage (4-5 days):

Transfer leftovers to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Specifically, glass containers like Pyrex or Rubbermaid Brilliance work best because they don’t absorb odors or stains.

Storage tips:

First, store in shallow containers for faster cooling
Second, don’t stack containers until fully cooled
Third, label with date so you know when to use it
Finally, keep refrigerator temperature at 40°F or below

Freezer Storage (2-3 months):

This pasta freezes well! Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Additionally, remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Freezing best practices:

First, cool completely before freezing
Second, leave 1/2 inch space at top of containers for expansion
Third, freeze flat in bags for space-saving storage
Finally, use freezer tape to label with contents and date

Note: Cream sauces can separate slightly when frozen. However, stirring while reheating brings it back together beautifully.

Reheating Instructions:

Stovetop Method (Best): Place pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Next, add 2-4 tablespoons of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce. Then, stir frequently and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Microwave Method (Quick): Transfer portion to a microwave-safe dish. Next, add a splash of milk or water, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot (usually 2-3 minutes total).

Oven Method (For larger portions): First, preheat oven to 350°F. Then, place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Food Safety Tips:

Never leave pasta at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Always reheat leftovers to 165°F internal temperature
Only reheat portions you plan to eat – don’t reheat multiple times
When in doubt, throw it out (trust your nose!)

Nutritional Information & Dietary Considerations

Per Serving (serves 4):

Calories: 620
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Calcium: 280mg
Iron: 4mg

Dietary Modifications:

Lower Calorie Version:

First, use 93% lean ground beef or ground turkey
Second, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
Third, reduce cheese by half
Finally, use whole wheat pasta for added fiber

Gluten-Free:

Use gluten-free pasta. For instance, Barilla and Banza make great options
Additionally, ensure beef broth is certified gluten-free
Furthermore, check all seasoning labels

Dairy-Free:

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
Alternatively, substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan
Finally, skip mozzarella or use dairy-free cheese alternatives

Low-Carb/Keto:

Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower
Additionally, increase the beef to 1.5 lbs
Furthermore, add extra vegetables like spinach and mushrooms

High-Protein:

First, use 1.5 lbs ground beef
Second, add white beans or chickpeas
Finally, use protein-enriched pasta like Barilla Protein+

Budget-Friendly Shopping Tips

Save money without sacrificing flavor:

First, buy ground beef on sale and freeze extra for future meals
Second, use store-brand pasta, broth, and cheese – they work just as well
Third, buy cheese blocks and shred yourself – way cheaper than pre-shredded
Next, shop warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club for bulk savings
Additionally, use coupons and grocery apps like Ibotta or Fetch Rewards
Moreover, make your own Italian seasoning from individual herbs (cheaper long-term)
Also, grow your own parsley in a windowsill planter
Finally, compare prices per ounce not just package price

Cost breakdown (approximate):

Ground beef: $5-6
Pasta: $1-2
Beef broth: $2-3
Cheeses: $4-5
Other ingredients: $3-4
Total: $15-20 for 4-6 servings (about $3-4 per serving!)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! In fact, any short pasta shape works great. For example, rigatoni, shells, farfalle, or cavatappi are all excellent choices. However, just avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti or angel hair.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can cook it completely, refrigerate, and reheat when needed. In fact, the flavors actually get better after sitting! Just add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.

Q: What if I don’t have beef broth? You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with beef bouillon cubes. Alternatively, Better Than Bouillon beef base is also fantastic.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly? Yes! In fact, most kids love this creamy, cheesy pasta. However, for picky eaters, you can reduce or skip the red pepper flakes and use mild Italian sausage instead of regular ground beef.

Q: Can I double this recipe? Yes, but use a very large pot or Dutch oven (at least 6 quarts). Additionally, you may need to increase cooking time slightly and add extra broth as the pasta cooks.

Q: Why is my sauce watery? This usually happens if there’s too much liquid left after cooking the pasta. Therefore, next time, let it simmer uncovered for an extra few minutes to evaporate excess liquid before adding cream and cheese.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked pasta? Not recommended for this recipe. Instead, the pasta needs to cook in the beef broth to absorb all that amazing flavor. Otherwise, pre-cooked pasta would be mushy and bland.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Stovetop is best! Heat in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream, stirring frequently. Alternatively, microwave works too, but add liquid and stir every minute.

Q: Can I add vegetables? Definitely! For instance, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes all work beautifully. Additionally, add heartier vegetables when browning the beef, and leafy greens at the very end.

Q: Is this recipe spicy? Not really – it has a subtle warmth from red pepper flakes, but it’s not hot. However, you can easily skip the pepper flakes for a completely mild version. Alternatively, double them for more heat.

Conclusion

This one-pot creamy garlic butter beef pasta has seriously saved my dinner game countless times. Moreover, I know it’ll become your go-to recipe too. In fact, it’s that perfect combination of easy, delicious, and satisfying that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even when you definitely don’t.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the busy week ahead, trying to impress dinner guests, or just need comfort food after a long day, this recipe has your back. Additionally, the best part? It only uses one pot, which means you can spend less time doing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious creation.

Once you master this base recipe, you can customize it endlessly with different proteins, vegetables, and seasonings. Furthermore, it’s the kind of versatile, reliable recipe that becomes part of your regular dinner rotation – the one you make when you need something quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.

So grab your favorite skillet, stock up on ingredients when they’re on sale, and get ready to create restaurant-quality pasta in your own kitchen. In the end, your family (and your wallet) will thank you!

Happy cooking, friends! Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with anyone who needs an amazing weeknight dinner solution.