Get ready to fall in love with One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta—a total weeknight dinner hero and comfort food dream! This dish brings together tender ground beef, rich garlic butter, silky cream, and perfectly cooked pasta, all in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. Every bite is a blend of cozy, creamy sauce with a savory kick of garlic and parmesan, making it a family favorite you’ll crave again and again. If you adore effortless meals that taste like they took hours, this pasta will become your go-to!

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is how it turns simple, everyday ingredients into something luxuriously flavorful. Each component plays an important role—either adding depth, creamy texture, or an irresistible savory punch.

Olive oil: Gives a smooth start, preventing sticking and adding a subtle fruity note to the base.
Ground beef: Builds hearty flavor and pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce—choose lean for less grease, or regular for extra flavor.
Onion: Finely chopped for a gentle sweetness that balances the richness of the beef and cream.
Garlic: Four cloves, minced—trust me, the garlic butter is absolutely the star of the show!
Italian seasoning: Adds herby depth with a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch brings subtle heat; leave it out if you’re feeding spice-sensitive eaters.
Unsalted butter: Melds with the garlic for that iconic garlicky richness and helps transform the sauce into something special.
Beef broth: Deepens the flavor base and infuses every spiral or tube of pasta with savory goodness.
Milk: Makes the sauce creamy, adding silkiness without being too heavy.
Short pasta (penne or rotini): Picks up every bit of luscious sauce—other shapes work too, but these are champs for soaking up flavor!
Parmesan cheese: Savory, nutty, and elevates the whole dish with that classic finish.
Heavy cream: Whirls the sauce together into perfect creaminess—don’t be shy, it makes all the difference.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding everything out and dialing the flavor in just right.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled over the top for a bright, fresh finish.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating olive oil in a big, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and let it brown, breaking it up as you go. This is your first chance to layer in those savory flavors! Once the meat is beautifully browned, drain off any extra grease—this keeps the dish rich but never greasy.

Step 2: Soften the Onion

Add your finely chopped onion right into the same pot with the beef. Let it sizzle for about 3 to 4 minutes, until soft and fragrant. The onions will melt into the sauce later, helping to sweeten and balance the robust flavors of One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta.

Step 3: Amp Up the Garlic and Spice

Stir in your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hit of crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little warmth). Give it a good 60 seconds so the garlic releases all its aroma, but don’t let it burn—this step is where the magic of the garlic butter begins!

Step 4: Make That Garlic Butter!

Drop in the butter and swirl until melted. As it mingles with the aromatics and beef, the entire kitchen will smell divine. The butter also helps thicken the sauce so that every forkful of pasta feels indulgent.

Step 5: Add Liquid and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the dry pasta, making sure it’s submerged. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, giving it a quick stir now and then to stop sticking. The pasta should be tender, and most of the liquid absorbed—creating the dreamy base for your creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Now comes the best part: stir in the grated parmesan and heavy cream. Let everything bubble together, uncovered, for another 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken up, clinging to every bite of One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta. Taste and season with salt and pepper until it’s just right.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scatter chopped fresh parsley across the top. It looks beautiful and adds a burst of freshness that brightens the whole dish. Now you’re set—gather everyone around and serve up generous bowls of this cozy masterpiece.

How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Garnishes

A shower of fresh, chopped parsley is just the beginning! For extra color and flavor, add a little more parmesan or even a drizzle of good olive oil. If you’re feeling festive, a quick zest of lemon or a few chili flakes take this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta to another level.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta is perfectly satisfying on its own, but it also plays well with others. Crisp garlic bread or a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette make light, fresh companions. If you want more veggies, roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans add lovely crunch alongside all that creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta straight from the pot for a cozy, family-style vibe, or plate it in shallow bowls for a fancier feel. For date night, twist it into little nests and top each serving with a soft-cooked egg. Or, for a crowd, offer a build-your-own pasta bar with bowls of extra toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or crispy fried onions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta keep remarkably well! Store any cooled pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually get even better as they meld, so lunch tomorrow will be just as dreamy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this pasta, portion cooled servings into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Just keep in mind the sauce may separate slightly after thawing—give it a good stir when reheating and add a splash of milk or cream if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, add your pasta to a saucepan with a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stove, stirring often until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings (covered) in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, to preserve the silky texture of the sauce.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or mild Italian sausage both work beautifully in this dish. Sausage adds extra spice and depth, while turkey keeps things lighter—just brown it in the same way as the beef.

Which pasta shapes work best?

Short shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are perfect because they trap all that glorious creamy beef and garlic butter sauce. If you only have elbows or farfalle, those will work, too!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can make a dairy-free version by using your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream (such as coconut cream or oat-based cream). Opt for nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan to finish.

Does this pasta work for meal prep?

Definitely! One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is meal-prep friendly. It reheats wonderfully and is just as creamy the next day, making it ideal for lunches or busy weeknights.

How do I avoid my pasta sticking to the pan?

Just give your pasta a stir every few minutes while it’s simmering. Cooking it with plenty of liquid also helps prevent sticking, so don’t skimp on the broth and milk.

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a recipe to make your family swoon, One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is it! It’s easy, creamy, and bursting with flavor—plus it saves you from a sinkful of dishes. Give it a try and watch it become a regular on your dinner table!