One-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta—rich, savory, and satisfying. Easy to make, fewer dishes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Why this version is a keeper
- One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup required!
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of beef, garlic butter, and Parmesan makes for a deliciously indulgent dish.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with different pasta types or additional ingredients like mushrooms or spinach.
The shopping list
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 8 oz (225g) pasta shells or your choice of pasta
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- Add butter to the cooked beef. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Incorporate Liquids and Pasta
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Cook the Pasta
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, approximately 12-15 minutes.
5. Finish the Dish
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot, optionally with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Servings and time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving
Ways to switch it up
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for added depth.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella for an extra cheesy version.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach or peas for a nutritious touch.
Day-2 notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How long does One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days per USDA food safety guidelines. This dish can be frozen for 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove over low heat or in 30-second microwave intervals.
Can I substitute butter in this recipe?
I’ve found that olive oil or a neutral cooking oil can replace butter for sautéing, but you’ll lose some of the rich, buttery flavor. For a similar richness, consider using ghee. Each will subtly alter the final taste and texture of the dish.
What internal temperature should beef reach?
Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 145°F measured with a meat thermometer, per USDA FSIS guidelines. After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness and flavor.
What goes well with One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta?
In my experience, this rich pasta pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad to cut through the richness. Garlic bread is a classic choice for soaking up the creamy sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus also make excellent, simple vegetable sides.
Is One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta gluten-free?
This recipe contains gluten from the pasta shells. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Ensure any beef broth used is also certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten-containing ingredients.
The wrap-up
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a delicious, hassle-free meal. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a comforting homemade pasta dish with minimal effort!
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One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Total Time: PT35M
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
One-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is a rich, savory, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make with fewer dishes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 8 oz (225g) pasta shells or your choice of pasta
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Step 2: Add butter to the cooked beef. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 6: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, optionally with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT25M
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650