If you’re on the hunt for a soul-warming meal that’s both irresistibly creamy and packed with flavor, you need to try One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta. Imagine fork-tender pasta swirled with savory ground beef, garlic-infused butter, and a velvety cheese sauce you’ll want to scoop up with every last bit of bread. This pasta is rich enough to indulge a cozy craving but simple enough for any weeknight, all while bringing the magical ease of one-pot cooking straight to your kitchen.

One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple — every ingredient is chosen for a reason, and together they create the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Ground Beef (1 lb): The backbone of our pasta, it adds heartiness and rich, meaty flavor.
Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp): Melts into the sauce to enhance creaminess and give that unmistakable garlic butter aroma.
Garlic, minced (5 cloves): Infuses the dish with a deep, fragrant kick — don’t skimp!
Small Onion, finely chopped (1): Adds sweetness and rounds out the savory flavors.
Beef Broth (2 cups): Lifts the umami notes and helps cook the pasta while building a robust sauce base.
Milk (2 cups): Makes everything luscious and ties all the ingredients together with silky richness.
Uncooked Pasta (8 oz, penne, rotini, or shells): Pick your favorite shape — each one soaks up that incredible creamy sauce.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Brings the herbs and a touch of Mediterranean flair to every bite.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Just enough to brighten and balance all the flavors.
Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a gentle kick and depth.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): For savory, nutty sharpness and a beautifully cheesy finish.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey perfection, making the sauce extra dreamy.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional): Gives fresh color and a little pop of flavor to finish your dish.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by adding the ground beef to your favorite large pot or deep skillet, then set it over medium heat. Break the beef up as it cooks, letting it sizzle until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. This is where you develop the base flavor, so be patient; a little bit of color means deeper, richer taste! If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it off to keep your sauce just the right amount of rich.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

With the beef still in the pot, toss in the unsalted butter, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. As the butter melts and mingles with the meat juices, the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. This is when your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing — pure dinnertime magic!

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Next, pour in the beef broth and milk, then add your choice of uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil. This step lets your pasta simmer right in the sauce so it can soak up all those savory flavors and turn perfectly tender. No need for extra pots or draining!

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on your pot, and let the whole mixture simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Give it a stir now and then to keep things creamy and prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has thickened up beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Cheeses

Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Stir until both cheeses melt dreamily into the sauce, making it thick, glossy, and oh-so-creamy. The cheese not only adds flavor but really binds everything together into that classic One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta texture.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Give your pasta just 5 minutes to rest and thicken up a bit more while you prepare any finishing touches. When ready, spoon into bowls and, if desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a flash of color and freshness. Serve it up while it’s still warm and gooey for the ultimate comfort food experience!

How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta

Garnishes

Nothing brightens up a creamy pasta like a shower of fresh herbs! A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only looks gorgeous but adds a clean, herby contrast to the rich sauce. For extra flair, add a little more shaved Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a touch of heat.

Side Dishes

This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is a meal all on its own, but it plays well with simple sides. Think crisp green salads tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or buttery garlic bread for soaking up every drop of sauce. You’ll have a cozy and complete supper in no time.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or just want to make dinnertime more fun, try ladling your pasta into oven-safe bowls and broiling them for a minute with an extra layer of mozzarella on top. Or scoop the pasta into individual ramekins, top with parsley and a Parmesan crisp, and serve restaurant-style — it’s a simple way to make One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta look as special as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta keeps like a champ in the refrigerator. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, so you can look forward to a speedy and satisfying lunch or dinner later in the week.

Freezing

Want to stash some for later? This pasta freezes wonderfully! Divide cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, squeezing out any excess air. When stored this way, it’ll be good for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note: the sauce may thicken up after freezing, but a splash of milk or beef broth will restore its creamy glory.

Reheating

To reheat, simply put your pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to get that sauce back to the perfect consistency. Stir gently while warming through. You can also microwave it (just cover to prevent splatters and stir halfway through). With these tricks, your One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta will taste freshly made every time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Short shapes like penne, rotini, or small shells work best, as they cook evenly and hold the creamy sauce well. If you use a different shape, just keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness.

What kind of ground beef is best?

I recommend using 85 to 90 percent lean ground beef for the ideal balance of flavor and a sauce that’s not too greasy. You can drain off excess fat after browning the meat to control the richness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your beef broth is gluten-free as well. Just watch the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can cook a bit faster and might need a little extra liquid.

How can I add vegetables?

You can toss in fresh baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or even diced bell pepper during the sauté step. They’ll cook right along with the other ingredients, adding both nutrition and color to your One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta.

Is there a way to make this even richer?

If you want to go all out, substitute heavy cream for the milk or add a dollop of cream cheese along with the mozzarella and Parmesan. The result will be ultra-luxurious, and perfect for a special occasion or when you’re craving something extra decadent.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again — comforting, effortless, and guaranteed to gather everyone around the table. Try One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta tonight and see just how delicious a weeknight “wow” can be!

One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta. A hearty dish with tender ground beef, savory garlic butter, and a luscious cheese sauce, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped

Liquid & Cheese Mixture:

2 cups beef broth
2 cups milk
8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease and add butter, garlic, and onion. Sauté until onion is soft.
Simmer Pasta: Stir in broth, milk, pasta, and seasonings. Simmer covered for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
Add Cheese: Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and creamy. Let sit to thicken.
Garnish & Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.