One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a one-pot meal. Not only does it make cleanup a breeze, but the flavors also meld together perfectly, giving you a meal that is rich, creamy, and comforting all in one. The One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a fantastic dinner idea that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. This recipe is packed with tender ground beef, a luscious creamy sauce, and a delightful hint of garlic and butter. Perfect for a weeknight meal or even for a cozy weekend dinner with the family, this dish will surely become a favorite.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this incredibly easy and flavorful dish in just about 30 minutes, all in one pot. So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (85% lean or higher)
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you prefer)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup beef broth (low sodium recommended)
1 cup heavy cream (for a rich and creamy sauce)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
1/2 cup whole milk (you can substitute with half-and-half if you prefer a thicker consistency)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp flour (to help thicken the sauce)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (extra for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
The first step is always to gather and prepare your ingredients. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set the garlic and onions aside, and measure out the broth, cream, milk, and butter. Grate the Parmesan cheese and have the pasta and ground beef ready.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the beef until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the beef from the skillet, leaving the excess fat behind.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, with the leftover drippings from the beef, add the butter. Allow the butter to melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Make the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. This will help thicken the sauce later. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the Pasta and Seasonings
Once the sauce has started to thicken, add the pasta to the pot. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, and then cover the pot. Reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
6. Finish the Sauce
After the pasta has cooked and absorbed most of the liquid, it’s time to check the texture. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more milk or broth to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cooked ground beef. Mix everything well, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce and further thicken it.
7. Taste and Adjust
At this point, taste your creamy beef and garlic butter pasta. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. If you want a richer flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter or a bit more Parmesan cheese.
8. Serve and Garnish
Once everything is combined, serve the creamy beef and garlic butter pasta in bowls. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley and a little more grated Parmesan on top. This adds a burst of color and a fresh flavor to complement the creamy richness of the dish.
Tips for Success:
Pasta choice: You can use any pasta you prefer, but short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells work best as they hold the creamy sauce well.
Ground beef: While ground beef is a classic choice, you could also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version of this dish. Just note that the flavor will be a little different.
Creaminess: If you want a thicker, creamier sauce, you can reduce the amount of broth slightly or add a bit more cream. Adjust the consistency to your liking.
Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Adding a touch of Italian seasoning or some freshly chopped thyme could be a great way to change the flavor profile.
Leftovers: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extra pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 4 servings):
Calories: ~600-700 kcal per serving (depending on ingredients and portions)
Protein: ~35-40g
Carbohydrates: ~45-50g
Fat: ~30g
Fiber: ~3g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is not just simple but also packed with flavor. The richness of the cream and Parmesan cheese pairs beautifully with the savory ground beef and garlic, making it an irresistibly comforting dish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a loved one, or the entire family, this dish will satisfy everyone’s cravings.
The best part? You don’t need to dirty multiple pots or pans. Everything cooks in one pan, from the beef to the pasta, which makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a meal that can easily be adapted to suit your tastes, making it perfect for anyone.
So, gather your ingredients, pull out your one pot, and enjoy a creamy, garlicky, and buttery pasta dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!