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If you crave a creamy, hearty meal that cooks in just one pot, you’ve found the right recipe! My One-Pot Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta Delight is a game-changer for busy nights. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a comforting dish ready in no time. I can’t wait to share tips and tricks to make this meal even better. Dive in and let’s cook up some happiness together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in a single pot, cleanup is a breeze. You can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of washing multiple pans.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that clings to the pasta, making every bite irresistible.
- Customizable: This recipe is versatile; you can easily add your favorite vegetables or switch up the protein for a different twist, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make One-Pot Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta, gather these items:
– 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
– 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley for garnish, chopped
Tips for Ingredient Quality
Using high-quality ingredients makes this dish shine. Choose fresh pasta for a better texture. Look for lean ground beef to cut down on fat. Fresh garlic and onion add great flavor. Always use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness. Fresh parsley gives a bright finish to the meal.
Substitutions for Key Ingredients
You can swap out some ingredients if needed. Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want to skip dairy, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For gluten-free pasta, any gluten-free brand works well. You can even try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar if you want a twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
Gather all your ingredients first. This makes cooking easy. You will need:
– 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
– 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley for garnish, chopped
Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having these ready saves time.
Cooking Process Details
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to be soft and clear.
Next, turn the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and cook it for 5-7 minutes. Stir it well until it is browned and crumbled. If there is too much fat, drain it.
Now, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Let the garlic get nice and fragrant.
Add the dry pasta to the pot along with beef broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together well.
Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked and the sauce is creamy.
After 15 minutes, take the pot off the heat. Stir in the last 2 tablespoons of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is melted and blended.
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Cooking Time Breakdown
– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Cooking time: 20 minutes
– Total time: 30 minutes
This dish serves 4-6 people, making it great for family meals. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Expert Tips for Enhancing Flavor
To make your One-Pot Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta pop, use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste than dried. Also, add a splash of lemon juice. It brightens the dish and balances the creaminess. For extra depth, try using beef broth instead of water when cooking the pasta. This adds a rich flavor that makes a big difference. Lastly, finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. It adds a nice cheesy finish that everyone loves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Cook it just until al dente. It will continue cooking in the sauce. Another mistake is not draining excess fat from the beef. Too much fat can make the dish greasy. Be sure to stir the mixture well while it simmers. This helps the pasta cook evenly and soak up the sauce. Lastly, don’t skip the seasoning! Salt and pepper are key for enhancing the flavors.
Additional Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with a simple green salad. A light salad pairs well with the creaminess. You can also add garlic bread for a crunchy side. It’s perfect for scooping up the sauce. For a fun twist, top with crushed red pepper flakes. This adds a spicy kick that many enjoy. Lastly, don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley. It adds color and freshness that makes the dish even better.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor of the dish significantly compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Fettuccine or penne works best for this recipe as they hold the creamy sauce well, providing a better texture in every bite.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream and add more beef broth for a balanced flavor.
- Garnish for Freshness: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the creamy sauce.

Variations
Alternative Ingredients for Dietary Preferences
You can easily change this recipe to fit different diets. For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of beef. This keeps the dish light but still tasty. If you’re vegan, try using plant-based ground meat and swap the butter for olive oil. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to keep it creamy.
Flavor Variations to Try
Want to add a twist? Use different herbs or spices! Try adding red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a rich flavor. If you love veggies, toss in spinach or mushrooms while cooking. This adds color and nutrients.
Pasta Type Recommendations
While fettuccine or penne works great, feel free to experiment. Rigatoni or shells can also hold onto the creamy sauce well. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Just watch the cooking time, as it varies.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your creamy beef garlic butter pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools down to room temperature first. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it for later, consider freezing it instead.
Reheating Instructions
When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, add a splash of beef broth or cream to help bring back the creaminess. Stir gently over medium heat until warmed through. In the microwave, heat in 30-second bursts. Stir between each burst until hot.
Freezing Guidelines
If you want to freeze this dish, make sure it cools completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then reheat it as mentioned above. Freezing may change the texture a bit, but the flavor stays great!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can swap out the ground beef for other meats. Ground turkey or chicken work well. You can even use sausage for added flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary with different meats.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it. It keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just divide it into containers for easy lunches or dinners.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many options available. Also, check your beef broth for gluten-free labels. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set!
This blog post covered essential ingredients, tips, and step-by-step cooking instructions. You learned about quality ingredients, smart substitutions, and how to avoid common mistakes. I shared expert tips to boost flavor and creative variations to suit your taste. Finally, I provided storage and reheating advice to keep your dish fresh. Cooking should be fun and easy. With these insights, you’re ready to create a fantastic meal. Enjoy the process and make it your ow
One-Pot Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta
A delicious and creamy pasta dish cooked in one pot with ground beef, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 600 kcal
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the dry pasta to the pot along with beef broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce is creamy.
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with fresh parsley for garnish.
Keyword beef, creamy, garlic, one-pot, pasta
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