One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Looking for a dish that combines the rich flavors of beef with the indulgence of creamy pasta, all made in one pot for easy cleanup? Look no further! This One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe brings together tender ground beef, a luscious garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that is as flavorful as it is convenient. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy every craving.

Why One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta?

One-pot meals have become increasingly popular for a reason: they are efficient, less stressful, and incredibly convenient. You can get everything in the pot, cook it together, and have a delicious, cohesive dish with minimal mess.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Now that we have everything we need, it’s time to get cooking! This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Here’s how to make One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta from start to finish.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure that the beef cooks evenly and becomes nicely browned.
3. Season the Beef: Once the beef is browned, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside. You can drain some of the excess fat, but keep a little in the pan for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. Cook the Onion: In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. The garlic should become fragrant and golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: Push the onions and garlic to the side of the pan, and add the butter. Let it melt, allowing the garlic and onions to infuse the butter.
2. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally to combine the flavors. Let the broth cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
3. Stir in the Heavy Cream: Once the broth has reduced slightly, add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer again. Stir to combine the cream with the broth, creating a rich and velvety sauce.
4. Add the Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt completely, thickening the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Add the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the sauce. Stir the pasta into the sauce to ensure it is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
2. Simmer the Pasta: Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s al dente. Stir occasionally, ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
3. Check the Pasta: If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is cooked, you can add a little more chicken broth or water to the pot, a small splash at a time.

Step 5: Add the Beef and Final Touches

1. Return the Beef to the Pot: Once the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness, add the browned ground beef back into the pot. Stir everything together, allowing the beef to warm up and the flavors to meld.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
3. Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy beef and garlic butter pasta in individual bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Success

While this recipe is straightforward, here are some helpful tips to ensure that it turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and flavor of the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and gives the dish a more authentic, rich flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta is cooking in the sauce, it’s important not to overcook it. Aim for al dente pasta for the best texture. Keep an eye on it and taste test as you go.
3. Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little extra chicken broth, cream, or even water to reach your desired consistency. Add it gradually to avoid making the sauce too thin.
4. Feel Free to Experiment with Pasta: This recipe works well with many types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Choose the one you love or have on hand, but adjust cooking times if using a different shape.
5. Make it Spicy: If you enjoy some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick. You can also mix in a bit of hot sauce to the beef while cooking it to add depth of flavor.
6. Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner protein, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Both work well in this dish and provide a lighter alternative without compromising flavor.

Variations of One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

While the base recipe is delicious on its own, here are a few variations to make this dish even more exciting:

• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrition. Sauté the vegetables along with the onions and garlic, or stir them into the sauce as it simmers.
• Use Different Cheeses: If you want to switch up the flavor profile, try using other cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or a sharp cheddar. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
• Make It Cheesy: For a more indulgent version, add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta before serving. You can even bake the dish in the oven for a few minutes to melt and brown the cheese for a deliciously cheesy crust.
• Add Bacon: For added depth and smokiness, crispy bacon crumbles can be added to the beef while it simmers. This will create a more complex, savory flavor.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe is the perfect combination of rich flavors, creamy texture, and ease of preparation. The garlic butter sauce complements the tender beef and pasta, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, the one-pot method makes cleanup a breeze, which is always a bonus after enjoying a delicious meal.

Yield: 4

One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

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Looking for a dish that combines the rich flavors of beef with the indulgence of creamy pasta, all made in one pot for easy cleanup? Look no further! This One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe brings together tender ground beef, a luscious garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that is as flavorful as it is convenient. Whether you're cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy every craving.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or any pasta of your choice)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon cubes)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef:
   In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
   Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove any excess fat from the beef if necessary, and set the beef aside.
   
2. Sauté the aromatics:
   In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and the garlic is fragrant.
   
3. Cook the pasta:
   Add the uncooked pasta to the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the pasta is mostly covered by the liquid. Stir in the Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
   
4. Simmer and cook:
   Cover the pot and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth. Add more broth or water if the pasta starts to stick or if more liquid is needed during cooking.
   
5. Make the creamy sauce:
   Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese is melted. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
   
6. Combine the beef:
   Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and stir to combine with the creamy pasta mixture. Let everything heat through for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
   
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Add more veggies: You can toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the onions and garlic for added flavor and nutrition.

Low-carb option: Substitute regular pasta with low-carb pasta like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.

Cheese variations: For a richer flavor, feel free to add shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese along with the Parmesan.