One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is my go-to when I need dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor. It’s got juicy ground beef swimming in a rich garlic butter sauce with plenty of creamy cheese, and the best part? Everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup after a long day.

I still remember the first time I threw this together on a random Tuesday after work. I had ground beef thawed, pasta in the pantry, and about 30 minutes before everyone started asking what’s for dinner. The aroma of garlic butter sizzling with beef filled my kitchen, and suddenly I had three people hovering around the stove asking when it would be ready. Now this one-pot creamy beef pasta is in our weekly rotation because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle. The creamy garlic sauce clings to every piece of pasta, and that combination of Parmesan and mozzarella creates the most satisfying, gooey texture.

Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

I always use 80/20 ground beef for this creamy beef and garlic butter pasta because the fat content keeps everything juicy and flavorful. Pro tip: buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself rather than using pre-grated, it melts so much better into the sauce.

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended for best flavor)
• 8 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle work great)
• 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
• 3 tbsp butter (unsalted preferred)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (low-moisture)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make This Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

Step 1: Heat olive oil in your large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely browned with no pink remaining. You want some caramelization on the beef for deeper flavor. Drain excessive grease if needed, but leave about 2 tablespoons in the pan.

Step 2: Add butter directly to the pan with cooked beef. Let it melt completely, swirling the pan to coat everything. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Watch carefully here because garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter.

Step 3: Pour in all 4 cups of beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with your spoon to release those flavorful brown bits. This is where tons of flavor lives. Add uncooked pasta directly to the pan and stir to submerge everything in the liquid.

Step 4: Increase heat to high and bring to a rolling boil. Once boiling vigorously, immediately reduce heat to medium-low and cover with the lid. Simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta should be al dente and most of the broth absorbed, leaving just a little liquid in the pan.

Step 5: Once pasta reaches al dente texture, turn heat to low. Pour in heavy cream and stir well to combine. Add grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella, stirring continuously until both cheeses melt into a velvety sauce. Keep the heat low during this step to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or separating.

Step 6: Turn off heat completely and let the pasta sit uncovered for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect creamy consistency.

Step 7: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving. The fresh herbs add a nice pop of color and brightness.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Beef Pasta

This one-pot creamy beef pasta pairs beautifully with lighter sides that balance the richness.

Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing cut through the creamy pasta perfectly, adding freshness to every bite.

Garlic Bread: Essential for soaking up every drop of that garlicky sauce. Toast thick slices with butter and minced garlic until golden.

Roasted Broccoli: The slight char on roasted broccoli adds texture contrast and the veggie helps round out the meal nutritionally.

Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with olive oil and lemon juice keeps things light and refreshing alongside this hearty pasta.

Focaccia or Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy garlic butter sauce.

More Hearty Beef Dinners to Try

This one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is just the beginning of easy weeknight beef recipes. For another pasta lover’s dream, check out the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta which packs even more protein punch, or try the indulgent Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta for a similar flavor profile with its own delicious twist.

When craving Asian-inspired flavors instead, the Crispy Chilli Beef offers a crispy, spicy alternative that’s equally satisfying, while the Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli brings sweet and savory notes to the table. For a comfort food classic, the Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks deliver cheesy, meaty satisfaction in sandwich form.

Storing Your Leftover Pasta

Store leftover one-pot creamy beef pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. I recommend using shallow containers so it cools faster and more evenly.

For reheating, the stovetop method works best. Heat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low with 2-4 tablespoons of milk, cream, or broth for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. This brings the sauce back to life. For microwave reheating, add a splash of liquid, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals for 2-3 minutes total.

You can freeze this pasta in freezer-safe containers or bags for 2-3 months. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Pro tip: cream sauces can separate slightly when frozen, but stirring well while reheating brings everything back together nicely.

Common Questions About Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

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