Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that combines juicy ground beef, aromatic garlic, and creamy Parmesan-infused sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy yet indulgent meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Pasta and Seasonings
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté aromatics: Add butter to the cooked beef. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the pasta ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer the pasta: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the pasta cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish with cheese: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts evenly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Serve the pasta hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and fat, but lean ground beef can be substituted for a healthier option.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness and calories.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells for best results as they hold the sauce well.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
