This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that blends tender ground beef, a luscious cream sauce, and the irresistible flavor of garlic butter. Everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and dinner something to look forward to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I cook everything in one pot, which makes this dish fast and easy with minimal cleanup.
The combination of garlic butter, creamy sauce, and savory beef creates a rich, mouthwatering flavor.
I only need simple pantry staples, but the result tastes like a dish from a cozy Italian restaurant.
It’s versatile—sometimes I add vegetables, switch up the pasta, or use different cheeses.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but feels indulgent enough for a weekend treat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
unsalted butter
garlic cloves, minced
onion, finely chopped
dried Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
beef broth
heavy cream
pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
grated Parmesan cheese
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until it’s fully cooked, breaking it apart as it browns. If there’s extra grease, I drain it.
I add the butter to the beef. Once it melts, I stir in the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Then I add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant.
I pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring everything to combine. I add the pasta and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
I bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. I cover it and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened—about 12 to 15 minutes.
Once it’s done, I stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
I finish the dish by sprinkling over chopped parsley and serving it hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

I add crushed red pepper flakes if I want a spicy version.
I sometimes stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms for added veggies.
For an extra cheesy version, I mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar along with the Parmesan.
To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free pasta and double-check that my broth and seasoning are GF as well.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, I freeze individual portions in containers and thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
When reheating, I use a saucepan over low heat and add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, I’ve made this with ground turkey, chicken, and even Italian sausage, and all of them worked well.

What kind of pasta is best?

I like using short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli since they soak up the sauce and hold everything together nicely.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I sometimes make it the day before and reheat it when ready to serve. Just add a splash of cream or milk while warming it up.

How do I make it dairy-free?

I swap the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor.

Can I make it less rich?

If I want a lighter version, I use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese slightly.

Conclusion

I love how this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta gives me all the comfort of a creamy, cheesy pasta dish without all the mess. It’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, making it one of my favorite weeknight go-tos. When I want a cozy dinner that satisfies everyone at the table, this is the recipe I come back to.