Savory, rich, and impossibly easy — this creamy garlic butter beef pasta will become your next go-to comfort dish.
When it comes to weeknight dinners, we all crave something fast, flavorful, and satisfying. Enter: One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta — a dreamy, savory blend of ground beef, aromatic garlic, butter, and a luscious cream sauce that clings to tender pasta in every bite. This recipe isn't just quick and simple to throw together; it's deeply comforting, crowd-pleasing, and easy on cleanup.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just need a cozy solo meal that tastes like a warm hug, this pasta is a reliable favorite. It combines the hearty depth of beef, the fragrant intensity of garlic butter, and the silky richness of cream—all wrapped in a dish that comes together in one pot from start to finish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
One Pot, No Fuss: Fewer dishes = less mess. Everything cooks together, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Bold Flavors: Garlic butter and beef create an irresistible savory base.
Creamy & Dreamy: The sauce is smooth and coats the pasta like a dream.
Customizable: Add vegetables, switch the protein, or spice it up — it’s flexible.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece:
For the Pasta:
1 lb ground beef (85% lean works best)
2 tablespoons butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Salt & black pepper to taste
3 cups beef broth
2 cups heavy cream
12 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells all work well)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat butter over medium heat. Once melted and foamy, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave about a tablespoon in the pot for added flavor.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Stir and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant. Don’t rush this — the garlic butter base builds the soul of this dish.
- Season It Up
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until well coated.
- Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add your pasta of choice directly into the pot. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce is silky, stir in the Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, giving it a nutty richness and added depth. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth or cream.
- Serve Hot and Garnish
Spoon into bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. Add more grated Parmesan if you like things extra cheesy.
Tips & Tricks for Success
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
Pasta choice matters: Short pastas like rotini, shells, or penne hold sauce better.
Adjust thickness: If your sauce reduces too quickly, add a bit more broth or cream.
Don't overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
Want extra richness? Add a splash of white wine or a dollop of cream cheese before serving.
Variations and Add-Ins
This one-pot creamy garlic butter beef pasta is a perfect blank canvas. Try these tweaks:
- Add Veggies
Toss in spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli during the simmering stage. They’ll cook right in the sauce.
- Change the Protein
Not in the mood for beef? Use ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Spice It Up
Add a spoonful of chili paste or extra crushed red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
- Make It Lighter
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and swap ground beef for lean turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This dish is best served fresh but reheats well, too.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freeze? You can freeze it, but the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly. If you do, thaw fully and reheat slowly with extra liquid.
What to Serve With It
While this pasta is a complete meal on its own, a few simple sides can elevate it even more:
Garlic Bread: Because more garlic is never a bad idea.
Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or green salad adds a fresh contrast.
Roasted Veggies: Think roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots.
Crowd-Pleaser Approved
Whether you're feeding picky kids, hungry teens, or dinner guests, this dish has something for everyone. The creamy garlic butter sauce hits that perfect note of indulgence, while the beef adds a satisfying savory punch. And because it’s all done in one pot, you’ll spend less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying dinner.
Why One-Pot Recipes Are Magic
The magic of one-pot meals is more than just minimal cleanup — it’s about maximizing flavor. As everything cooks together, the pasta absorbs the broth, cream, and all those meaty, garlicky juices, creating a layered taste that feels like it took hours, not minutes.
In our fast-paced world, having go-to meals that are simple, hearty, and downright delicious is essential. One-pot creamy garlic butter beef pasta is exactly that — the kind of meal that feels like a reward at the end of a long day.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, the best dishes are the simplest ones. This pasta doesn’t need fancy ingredients or complex techniques to shine. It’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and endlessly customizable to suit your mood or pantry.