One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

This one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta combines tender pasta and seasoned ground beef in a rich, velvety sauce that's ready in under 30 minutes. My family demands this comfort food weekly, especially on busy weeknights when I need something substantial yet simple.

I created this dish one evening when my pantry was nearly empty and I had hungry teenagers complaining. Now they specifically request my garlic butter beef pasta whenever friends come over.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base choose 85/15 for best flavor without excess grease
• Pasta: Penne or rotini work best as they hold the sauce beautifully in their crevices
• Beef broth: Forms the cooking liquid and adds depth of flavor use low sodium if watching salt intake
• Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious silky texture that coats every bite
• Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami notes always grate it fresh for best melting
• Garlic: Minced fresh delivers aromatic punch that defines this dish
• Butter: Creates richness and combines with garlic for that classic flavor combination
• Italian seasoning: Provides herbal notes with minimal effort
• Salt and pepper: Balance the flavors always taste and adjust
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish with color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:

Melt butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add minced garlic and cook for exactly 1 to 2 minutes stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant and just barely golden but not brown which would make it bitter.

Brown The Beef:

Add ground beef to the garlic butter breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. The meat should develop a nice caramelization on the edges which adds tremendous flavor. If excessive fat renders out tilt the pan and spoon it away leaving just enough for flavor.

Season The Mixture:

Sprinkle Italian seasoning salt and pepper evenly over the browned meat. Stir thoroughly to coat each piece of meat with the seasonings allowing them to toast slightly for about 30 seconds which releases their essential oils and intensifies the flavor profile.

Create The One Pot Base:

Add dry uncooked pasta directly to the seasoned meat followed immediately by beef broth. Stir well to ensure all pasta is submerged in the liquid and nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pan. This single step eliminates the need for a separate pasta pot and infuses the pasta with meaty flavor as it cooks.

Simmer To Perfection:

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then immediately reduce to a simmer. Cover with a tight fitting lid and cook for 12 to 15 minutes stirring every 3 to 4 minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta will gradually absorb the broth and release its starches creating a naturally thickened base for your sauce. Test a pasta piece at the 12 minute mark for desired tenderness.

Create The Creamy Finish:

Remove from heat and pour in the heavy cream followed by the grated parmesan. Stir continuously in a figure eight motion until the cheese fully melts and incorporates into a silky sauce that clings to each piece of pasta and meat. The residual heat will thicken the sauce perfectly without curdling the dairy.

Rest And Thicken:

Allow the pasta to rest uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes off heat. This crucial step lets the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency as it cools slightly and allows the flavors to fully meld together. The pasta will also continue absorbing flavor during this period.

Garnish And Serve:

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve directly from the pot for family style dining or portion into warmed bowls for a more elegant presentation.

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The garlic butter component of this recipe is truly what elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary. I discovered through multiple test batches that allowing the garlic to infuse the butter before adding other ingredients creates a foundation of flavor that permeates the entire dish. My daughter who typically picks around garlic pieces actually requests extra in this pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

This pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually intensify overnight as the pasta continues to absorb the sauce. When reheating add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently over medium low heat stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating if possible as it can make the pasta chewy and cause the sauce to separate.

Perfect Substitutions

This recipe welcomes many adaptations based on what you have available. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version while still delivering protein. For a vegetarian option try using a pound of mushrooms sautéed until deeply browned. If you lack heavy cream half and half or even cream cheese thinned with a little milk works well. The pasta shape can be anything from farfalle to elbow macaroni adjust cooking time slightly based on package directions.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty pasta with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the richness. A side of garlic bread allows for soaking up every last bit of the luscious sauce. For an elevated presentation consider serving in wide shallow bowls with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and cracked black pepper on top. This dish pairs wonderfully with a medium bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or even shells. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta is tender.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce may be less thick and rich.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Add them in step 1 with the garlic or sauté separately.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the beef for a spicy kick.