This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is what comfort food dreams are made of—hearty, rich, and ultra-garlicky, all made in one pot for the easiest cleanup ever. Imagine tender beef mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all wrapped in a garlicky, buttery sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you close your eyes after the first forkful. Cozy, craveable, and oh-so-satisfying.
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Why You’ll Love One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
When dinner needs to be both simple and soul-warming, this recipe checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’ll become a weeknight favorite:
One Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor. Everything cooks together, making it a dream for busy nights.
Rich & Buttery: The garlic butter sauce is lush, savory, and totally irresistible.
Family-Friendly: This dish hits all the notes: protein, carbs, and comfort. Everyone—from picky eaters to pasta lovers—will go back for seconds.
Budget-Friendly: Made with basic pantry staples and ground beef, it’s affordable and satisfying.
Customizable: Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or spice it up with red pepper flakes. Your call!
Ingredients in One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
(Note: The complete ingredient list with exact amounts is included in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef: Juicy and flavorful, this forms the hearty base of the dish.
Pasta: Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini work best for catching all that buttery sauce.
Garlic: Lots of fresh minced garlic makes this dish shine—don’t be shy!
Butter: The star of the sauce—rich, velvety, and deeply flavorful.
Beef Broth: Adds depth to the sauce while helping cook the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami boost and helps thicken the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A cozy blend of herbs that brings it all together.
Salt & Pepper: To balance and enhance every bite.
Optional Add-ins: Red pepper flakes, parsley, spinach, or mushrooms for added depth or color.
Instructions
Here’s how to make this ultra-satisfying pasta in a flash:
Brown the Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Add Garlic & Butter: Stir in the garlic and butter, letting the garlic cook for a minute or two until fragrant and the butter fully melts into the beef.
Stir in Seasoning: Add your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
Add Pasta & Broth: Pour in the pasta and beef broth. Stir to combine, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Simmer & Stir: Cover and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is glossy and creamy.
Garnish & Serve: Top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy vibes.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 520 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
This pasta is comforting enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ways to round out the meal:
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich flavors.
Garlic Bread: More garlic? Always a good idea.
Roasted Veggies: Try roasting broccoli or zucchini for a colorful side.
Wine Pairing: A light red wine like Pinot Noir or even a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc works wonderfully here.
Leftovers: It reheats like a dream for lunch the next day—just add a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Additional Tips
Pasta Choices: Choose a pasta that holds sauce well—penne, shells, or rotini are all perfect.
Cheese Options: No Parmesan? Pecorino Romano or even shredded mozzarella will work in a pinch.
Boost the Veggies: Add a handful of spinach at the end or toss in mushrooms while cooking the beef.
Make It Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a great little kick.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use another meat instead of ground beef?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage works just as well.
Q2: Can I make it gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and seasonings are GF too.
Q3: How do I keep the pasta from overcooking?
A3: Stir occasionally and cook just until the pasta is al dente. Taste test around the 10-minute mark.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Yes! Just use a larger pot and increase the broth and pasta proportionally.
Q5: Can I freeze it?
A5: It’s best fresh, but yes—you can freeze it in portions. Reheat gently with a bit of broth or water.
Q6: What’s the best pasta shape to use?
A6: Short shapes like penne or rotini work best since they hold sauce and are easy to cook evenly in one pot.
Q7: Can I make it dairy-free?
A7: Swap butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether—it’ll still be tasty!
Q8: How can I make the sauce creamier?
A8: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
Q9: Can I use fresh herbs instead of Italian seasoning?
A9: Totally! Fresh basil, oregano, and parsley will add a lovely pop.
Q10: What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
A10: Add a splash of extra broth or milk to loosen it up.
One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner? This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect solution. Featuring savory garlic butter, tender pasta, and juicy ground beef, it’s a delicious meal made in just one pot! #OnePotMeals #QuickDinnerIdeas #GarlicButterPasta #BeefPasta #EasyDinnerRecipes #ComfortFood #PastaRecipes #WeeknightDinner #SavoryPasta #OnePotBeefPasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups (24 oz) chicken broth
- 8 oz cavatappi pasta
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns for 6-8 minutes, or until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat evenly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the pasta, and ensure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Serve warm, garnished with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg