One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

When you’re craving something hearty, cozy, and downright irresistible—but don’t want to drown in dirty dishes—this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is your answer. Packed with savory beef, golden butter, and a dreamy hit of parmesan, it brings all the flavor of a decadent pasta night with the ease of a simple, fuss-free meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is in its short but essential ingredient list. Each component has a purpose—building up that luscious sauce, adding depth to the beef, or imparting a finishing touch of color and flavor.

• Ground beef: Provides savory richness and a meaty bite that gives this pasta its stick-to-your-ribs appeal.
• Unsalted butter: The backbone of the sauce, infusing each noodle with silky, aromatic flavor.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic delivers irresistible fragrance and sharp, zesty punch—don’t skimp!
• Garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder: This trio adds layers of savoriness and subtle tang, elevating the sauce from simple to crave-worthy.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Vital for seasoning everything to perfection. Adjust to taste!
• Chicken broth: This not only cooks the pasta but forms the base of your sauce—use a flavorful, good-quality broth.
• Cavatappi pasta: These curly noodles hold onto the sauce so beautifully, but any short pasta will work.
• Parmesan cheese (for garnish): For a salty, nutty finish no pasta dish should be without.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh pop of color and herbal flavor.

Variations

This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a perfect blank canvas for your cravings. It’s incredibly easy to personalize, whether you want to balance nutrition, boost flavor, or swap for what you have on hand.

• Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian spin.
• Add Veggies: Fold in spinach, peas, or chopped bell peppers in the last few minutes for color and freshness.
• Try Different Cheese: Substitute or add fontina, mozzarella, or asiago for a new cheesy dimension.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a gentle kick.

How to Make One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. As it cooks, break it up with a spatula, letting it turn beautifully golden and release its savory juices. After about 6-8 minutes, once there’s no pink left, drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to a plate so it’s ready for its next big moment.

Step 2: Sauté Butter and Garlic

Without cleaning the skillet (hello, flavor!), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. As soon as it’s melted and begins to foam, add the minced garlic. Let the garlic sizzle and become fragrant—about one minute—stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Season & Return the Beef

Bring the cooked beef back to the skillet, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly, making sure the spices mix into every nook and cranny of the beefy base.

Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta

Pour the chicken broth into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits clinging to the bottom. Add the cavatappi pasta, pushing it below the surface of the broth so it cooks evenly and soaks up all that garlicky, buttery flavor.

Step 5: Simmer & Serve

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Once the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, dish it up warm, topping generously with parmesan and a shower of fresh parsley.

How to Serve One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Garnishes

Set this dish off to perfection with a generous snowfall of grated parmesan and a big pinch of chopped fresh parsley—classic, simple, and always impressive. If you love a little heat, a dusting of red pepper flakes is a lovely touch.

Side Dishes

One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is hearty enough to shine solo, but a crisp green salad or some roasted broccoli makes a fabulous companion. And is there ever regret in setting out a basket of warm, crusty bread for scooping up any extra sauce?

Creative Ways to Present

Try twirling the pasta into shallow bowls for a restaurant-style vibe, or nestle it into a big family-style platter, all topped with that glorious cheese and parsley. For a rustic twist, serve directly from your skillet at the table—so inviting and fun for guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days and makes a stellar next-day lunch.

Freezing

This pasta can be frozen! Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, a splash of extra broth (or even water) works wonders for reviving the sauce. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often, or pop individual portions in the microwave for a quick, delicious meal.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy dinner that feels special but comes together in a flash, One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta belongs in your regular rotation. Let your kitchen fill with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and butter, and share a delicious, memory-making meal with people you love. Enjoy every twirl!

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