Meet your new weeknight dinner hero: the One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. This dish is pure comfort in a bowl, with savory seasoned beef, golden sautéed onions, and tender pasta all swirled together in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. The best part? Everything comes together in one pot—no need to juggle multiple pans or drain pasta separately. You’ll love how the creamy Parmesan finish hugs every bite, making this a family favorite that’s as easy to prepare as it is irresistible to eat.

One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients, the One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe manages to pack in layers of flavor and texture. Each item is chosen with care: together, they create a cozy, satisfying meal that looks as good as it tastes and comes together with almost no fuss.

Olive oil: Just a tablespoon helps brown the beef and gives the dish a silky base for sautéing onions and garlic.
Ground beef (85% lean): This cut gives a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without being greasy.
Onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth, rounding out the savory flavors.
Garlic (minced): The star of the show—four cloves infuse the entire dish with irresistible aroma and rich, garlicky bite.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient, tying all the flavors together.
Black pepper: Lends a gentle kick and helps sharpen all the savory notes.
Italian seasoning: An easy way to add herby complexity without needing a bazillion separate spices.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle (or bold!) hint of heat—skip or double depending on your mood.
Unsalted butter: The secret to the creamy, buttery sauce that makes this dish a standout.
Pasta (penne or rotini): Picks up the sauce beautifully—choose your favorite short shape!
Beef broth: Cooks the pasta and infuses a rich, meaty base into every forkful.
Heavy cream: Gives luscious, velvety texture and tones down the acidity.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and melts beautifully into the sauce.
Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for color and a hint of freshness at the end.

How to Make One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start your One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the beef is nicely browned and any moisture has cooked off. This step builds a deep, savory foundation for the rest of the dish—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add the Onion

Toss in the diced onion and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. The onion softens and picks up all those beefy flavors left in the pan, turning sweet and fragrant as it cooks.

Step 3: Garlic and Seasonings Go In

Stir in your minced garlic and let it bubble for about 30 seconds. When you can really smell the garlic, it’s ready. Now sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat). This quick sauté makes the aromas double in intensity and begins layering big flavor throughout the pasta.

Step 4: Melt in the Butter

Drop in those two glorious tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir until melted and everything is glossy, which turns the beef mixture even more luscious and delicious. The butter is what makes the “garlic butter” element of this recipe truly pop!

Step 5: Simmer with Pasta and Liquids

Add the dry pasta straight into the pot, then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Give everything a big stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom for max flavor. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed into a creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Uncover the pot and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. You’ll see the sauce become instantly richer and creamier as the cheese melts in. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh spark of color.

How to Serve One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan is a classic, but don’t stop there! Chopped parsley adds brightness, while a dusting of cracked black pepper or even a few extra chili flakes can make each bowl pop. Let everyone at the table make the dish their own with a little DIY garnish bar.

Side Dishes

The One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe really is a full meal, but a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or some oven-roasted broccoli adds freshness and balance. If you’re craving extra comfort, serve with warm, crusty bread for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pasta in individual bowls with a swirl of sauce and a generous dusting of Parmesan on top. For a playful twist, spoon portions into ramekins, sprinkle extra cheese, and pop under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish. Or nestle the pasta onto a platter and scatter fresh herbs for a rustic family-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the remaining pasta to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. The One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal-prepping lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, seal tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results; the creamy sauce may need a splash of extra cream or broth to revive its texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a bit of cream, broth, or even water if the sauce seems too thick—this will help restore the original creamy consistency while ensuring every bite tastes freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist on the One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. Both work beautifully and still absorb all those garlicky, buttery flavors.

Does this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?

Yes, just be sure to use your favorite gluten-free penne or rotini, and check it a few minutes before the suggested cooking time, as gluten-free varieties can cook more quickly than regular pasta.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely—stir in chopped spinach, frozen peas, or even mushrooms during the last few minutes of simmering. This is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients and color.

How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?

The heat from red pepper flakes is pretty mild when used as suggested, but feel free to omit them for a totally kid-friendly version or add extra if you like things fiery.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Short shapes like penne or rotini are ideal for soaking up the sauce in the One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. However, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand; just keep an eye on the cooking time.

Final Thoughts

If you love hearty, comforting meals that don’t demand a mountain of dishes, you’ve got to give the One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe a spot in your rotation. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—everything you want in a weeknight dinner. I know you’ll be coming back to this crowd-pleaser again and again!

One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the savory and creamy goodness of this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
1 small onion (diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pasta and Sauce:

8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown the ground beef, then add onion, garlic, and seasonings.
Cook Pasta: Stir in pasta, broth, and cream. Simmer until pasta is tender.
Finish Dish: Stir in Parmesan until creamy. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For added vegetables, stir in spinach or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American