One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Have you ever thought a creamy, comforting pasta dish could be made in just one pot—and in under 30 minutes?

It might sound too good to be true, but this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta delivers rich flavor, cheesy goodness, and tender noodles all in a single pan. That’s right—no draining, no mess, no mountain of dishes. Just bold, beefy flavor and creamy garlic butter sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Let’s walk through this easy, family-friendly dinner recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

What Makes This Pasta So Special?

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This recipe brings together the cozy comfort of a creamy pasta with the savory kick of seasoned ground beef and buttery garlic. It’s:

• One-pot friendly – Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Fast and easy – Ready in just about 30 minutes.
• Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
• Kid-approved – Creamy, cheesy, and mild enough for picky eaters.

Difficulty level: Easy
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Essential Ingredients (Plus Substitutions)

Here’s what you need to make this comforting dish:

• 1 lb ground beef (You can use lean or regular. Ground turkey or chicken works, too.)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (Or butter)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced (Adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (Or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional, for a little heat)
• 2 cups beef broth (Or chicken broth)
• 2 cups milk (Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but you can use 2% or even unsweetened almond milk)
• 8 oz pasta (Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells work best. Gluten-free pasta is a good substitute)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Or cheddar, parmesan, or a blend)
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter (For that garlic butter richness)
• Fresh parsley (optional) for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned.

Tip: Don’t stir too much at first—let it sit to get those crispy browned bits.

2. Add Garlic and Onion

Once the beef is browned, stir in the chopped onion and cook until soft—about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in the Liquids

Add the beef broth and milk to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.

4. Add Pasta

Stir in the dry pasta. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir often so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Tip: Add a splash more broth or milk if the mixture gets too thick before the pasta is cooked.

5. Make It Creamy

Once the pasta is tender, stir in the butter, mozzarella, and parmesan. Mix well until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Assemble and Serve

This dish is all about rich, cozy comfort, so you don’t need much for presentation.

• Scoop the pasta into bowls while hot.
• Top with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
• For a little crunch, serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

Tip: If serving for guests, drizzle a bit of olive oil or add a few red chili flakes on top for a pop of color.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This pasta is just as good the next day. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, add a splash of milk or water and microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
• Freeze? You can freeze it, but the texture might change slightly. For best results, eat fresh or within a few days.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix it up? Try one of these ideas:

• Make it spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Add veggies – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers before adding the pasta.
• Try a different meat – Ground sausage, turkey, or even meatless crumbles work well.
• Use different cheese – Cheddar, gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses can add unique flavor.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients, one pot, and 30 minutes, you’ve got a warm, filling dinner that tastes like it took much more effort.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is versatile, simple, and always satisfying. So grab that skillet and start cooking—your creamy pasta night awaits!

FAQs

Can I make this with a different kind of pasta?
Yes! Short pasta shapes like penne, elbow, shells, or rotini work best. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is this recipe healthy?
It’s made with whole ingredients and has protein, carbs, and calcium. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and less cheese.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Just store it in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.

What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but parmesan adds flavor. A blend works great too!

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pot and double all the ingredients. Add a few more minutes of simmer time if needed.