One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe combines savory ground beef with rich garlic butter and creamy parmesan sauce—all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. Enjoy an easy-to-make meal that satisfies every palate and leaves you craving more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic butter and parmesan creates a rich, creamy sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute pasta types or add vegetables to customize this recipe to your liking.
- Comfort Food Classic: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward instructions, this recipe is ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Large deep skillet or pot: Allows for even cooking of all ingredients while providing ample space for stirring.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for breaking up the ground beef and ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
This rich and creamy pasta dish is made with savory ground beef, garlic butter, and a luscious parmesan sauce, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. It’s the perfect comfort food for a quick and satisfying dinner!
For the Pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Break it up with your wooden spoon as it cooks.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Milk
Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Add Pasta
Add in your choice of pasta along with Italian seasoning. Ensure that most of the pasta is submerged in liquid.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Bring to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender.
Step 7: Create Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Stir in parmesan cheese and butter until melted and combined into a creamy sauce.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your dish! Adjust seasoning if necessary. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to reach desired consistency.
Step 9: Garnish
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Step 10: Serve Hot
Serve hot alongside garlic bread or a fresh side salad to complete your meal!
Now you’re ready to enjoy this delicious One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a delightful dish that warms the heart. It’s not only delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with various sides and toppings to enhance your dining experience.
With Garlic Bread
- A classic pairing, garlic bread provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta. Simply toast slices of your favorite bread with garlic butter for a perfect match.
Topped with Extra Parmesan
- Adding more parmesan cheese at serving time makes the dish even richer. It enhances the savory flavors and adds a creamy texture that’s irresistible.
With Fresh Parsley
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over each serving for a pop of color and freshness. This light herb complements the richness of the beef and garlic butter beautifully.
Alongside a Side Salad
- A crisp side salad balances the rich flavors of the pasta. Try a simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for added crunch.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted vegetables add flavor and nutrition. Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus are great choices that pair well with this pasta dish.
How to Perfect One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
To ensure that your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use quality beef – Choose lean ground beef for better flavor and less grease in your sauce.
- Cook pasta al dente – Aim for slightly undercooked pasta since it will continue to cook in the sauce. This helps prevent mushiness.
- Adjust creaminess – Feel free to adjust the amount of milk or cream based on your preferred richness; more cream will result in a thicker sauce.
- Experiment with spices – Add other herbs like basil or oregano for additional depth of flavor in your dish.
- Stir occasionally – Stirring helps prevent sticking while allowing the flavors to meld together evenly throughout cooking.
- Store leftovers properly – Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to enjoy later.
Best Side Dishes for One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
To complement your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, consider these delicious side dishes. They bring variety and balance to your meal.
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and creamy dressing adds crunch.
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli provides color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes – Crispy garlic roasted potatoes are seasoned perfectly, adding heartiness alongside your pasta.
- Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing appetizer.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob is easy to prepare and offers a sweet contrast to the savory pasta.
- Zucchini Noodles – For a low-carb option, serve spiralized zucchini as a light side that complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil provides a fresh burst of flavor before diving into your rich pasta dish.
- Antipasto Platter – Create a platter with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and peppers for an Italian-inspired starter that pairs well with any pasta meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Ignoring the seasoning: Always season your beef while cooking. This enhances flavor and avoids a bland dish.
- Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta while it simmers. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the texture of your dish.
- Not using enough liquid: Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in broth or milk. This prevents sticking and helps create a creamy sauce.
- Skipping the garnish: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Don’t skip this step; it elevates your dish visually and taste-wise.
- Using low-quality cheese: Opt for fresh, high-quality parmesan cheese. It melts better and adds a richer flavor to your creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Divide portions for easier thawing later.
Reheating One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While penne, rotini, or fettuccine work best, feel free to use any short or long pasta you have on hand.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Adding more veggies like spinach or bell peppers is also a great option!
What if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, simply add a splash of milk or beef broth until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients ahead but cook it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is not only rich and comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or using different types of meat. Give this recipe a try for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe features savory ground beef simmered with garlic butter in a luscious parmesan sauce, all cooked in one pot to minimize cleanup. With flavors that dance on your palate and a creamy texture that satisfies every craving, this pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk (or heavy cream)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned; break it up as it cooks.
- Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and milk; stir well to combine.
- Add pasta and Italian seasoning; ensure most of the pasta is submerged.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Reduce heat to low; stir in parmesan cheese and butter until melted.
- Adjust seasoning if needed; garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
