This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish. It combines rich, garlicky butter sauce with perfectly browned ground beef and tender pasta, all simmered together to soak up every bit of flavor. The result is a luscious, crave-worthy dinner that delivers creamy satisfaction with every bite.

Ideal for families and busy schedules, this pasta skips the fuss and multiple dishes without sacrificing taste. The combination of hearty beef, savory garlic, and velvety cheese sauce makes it a hit for all ages. Whether you’re curled up on a cold night or need something filling after a long day, this pasta has your back.

Ingredients for this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
10 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni works well)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt to taste
Optional: fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion

Add butter to the browned beef. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids

Stir in the uncooked pasta, beef broth, and heavy cream. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese

Turn off the heat. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all make great substitutes.

What pasta shape works best?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold the sauce well and are ideal for this recipe.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats beautifully. Just store and reheat with a splash of cream to bring back the creamy consistency.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while it simmers to keep the pasta separated and evenly coated in sauce.

Is it possible to make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cream, and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely. Spinach, peas, or mushrooms can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking.

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is your new go-to for quick dinners and easy comfort food. Creamy, garlicky, and rich with savory ground beef, it comes together in a single pot—making it the perfect choice for busy nights when you still crave something homemade. Whether you’re after a cozy meal for the family or an indulgent treat for yourself, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup.

Packed with pasta, Parmesan, garlic butter, and hearty ground beef, this recipe hits all the right notes for dinner ideas, weeknight meals, and crowd-pleasing food ideas. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter alone will have everyone heading to the kitchen.

Instructions

Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add butter to the pot. Stir in garlic and onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add pasta, beef broth, and cream. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once pasta is al dente and sauce is thickened, turn off the heat. Stir in Parmesan until melted.
Serve hot, topped with parsley and extra cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner