When you want something warm, comforting, and filling — but without the mountain of dishes — this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta delivers big time. Imagine tender pasta coated in a rich garlic butter cream sauce, loaded with seasoned ground beef and finished with melted cheese. It’s a weeknight dream: one pot, under 40 minutes, and full of comforting flavors your whole family will love.
This recipe blends the richness of a classic Alfredo sauce with the savory bite of garlic butter and seasoned beef — no fancy steps, just honest, delicious food. Whether you’re cooking for kids, friends, or just yourself, this meal hits the spot every time.
???? Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 12 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
???????? Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add garlic and butter: Stir in the butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic is lightly golden.
- Pour in liquids: Add the beef broth and milk. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the uncooked pasta.
- Cook the pasta: Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot!
???? Nutrition Information (Per Serving – serves 6)
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Protein: 31 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Approximate values, will vary depending on portion size and ingredients.
???? Tips & Tricks
- Use rotini or penne: These pasta shapes hold the sauce well without overcooking.
- Cheese swap: Try shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor twist.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or peas during the last 5 minutes for extra nutrients.
- Make it spicy: Add cayenne, hot sauce, or sautéed jalapeños to turn up the heat.
- One-pot cleanup: Use a nonstick or enameled pot to keep cleanup simple and mess-free.
???? From Me to You: My Extra Touch ✨
One way I elevate this dish is by drizzling a bit of garlic-infused olive oil over the top right before serving — it brings out the buttery garlic richness even more. And for date night? Swap out the beef for Italian sausage and pair it with a glass of red wine for an elevated but easy dinner.
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