One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting, hearty dish loaded with flavor and made in just a single pot. The tender ground beef, rich garlic butter sauce, and creamy pasta come together effortlessly for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that this recipe is both simple and indulgent. It’s one of those meals I can throw together quickly with pantry staples, yet it tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. The creamy garlic butter sauce is rich and flavorful, and the one-pot method means fewer dishes to clean up—which is always a win for me.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Butter

• Garlic (minced)

• Onion (chopped)

• Uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)

• Beef broth or water

• Heavy cream

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper

• Parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by melting butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.

2. I add the garlic and onion, sautéing until they’re fragrant and the onions are soft.

3. I stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

4. I add the pasta directly into the pot along with the beef broth or water, and bring everything to a simmer.

5. I let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

6. I lower the heat and pour in the cream, stirring until smooth.

7. I mix in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.

8. I season everything with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with parsley if I have it on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, making it ready in around 35 minutes total—perfect for a quick and cozy dinner.

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor. For an extra veggie boost, I throw in some spinach or mushrooms. If I’m in the mood for spice, I add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. I’ve also made it with different types of pasta—whatever I have in the pantry.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. It also freezes well, though I make sure to reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked pasta for this recipe?

I don’t recommend it. Cooking the pasta in the same pot as the beef and broth helps the flavors meld and creates that creamy texture naturally.

What kind of pasta works best?

I usually go with short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells because they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the one-pot method.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, I can use half-and-half or even milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, I just add a splash more broth or cream while it’s cooking to keep it nice and saucy.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all! But I can make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or using spicy sausage instead of ground beef.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s simple, delicious, and everything cooks together in one pot, which saves me time and effort. With rich flavors and a creamy texture, it’s a dinner that always leaves me satisfied—and looking forward to leftovers.