If you’re looking for something ultra-cozy, rich, and ready in a snap, this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is your new weeknight BFF. Imagine tender pasta and juicy beef all twirled together in a luscious garlic butter sauce—without a mountain of dishes at the end!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless One-Pot Magic: Everything cooks in a single skillet, so cleanup is a breeze and flavors meld beautifully.
- Bold, Garlicky Flavor: The double hit of fresh and powdered garlic gets gently toasted in butter, creating an irresistible aroma and taste in every bite.
- Rich, Hearty Comfort: Savory beef and tender pasta make the perfect, filling combination for busy nights or hungry bellies.
- Customizable Perfection: You can easily tweak this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta to suit your family’s tastes, from the pasta shape to the garnishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, each playing a key role. Every ingredient in this dish builds layers of flavor, from the richness of the beef to the comforting bite of pasta and that unforgettable garlic butter finish.
- Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for a balance of flavor and tenderness; it browns beautifully and forms the savory backbone of the dish.
- Unsalted butter: A generous amount transforms the sauce into a silky, buttery dream and toasts the garlic to perfection.
- Minced garlic: The star of the show! Use fresh for the boldest, punchiest flavor—nothing else compares.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder: These add subtle depth and dimension to the overall flavor, rounding out the base and giving gentle warmth.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: These little seasoning heroes ensure every bite is as delicious as the last.
- Chicken broth: Cooking the pasta directly in broth infuses it with flavor and creates that creamy, starchy finish you love in one-pot meals.
- Cavatappi pasta: The curly shape holds the sauce and bits of beef so well, but you can swap in other short pasta if desired!
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty finishing flair—freshly grated takes it over the top.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of color and brightness to balance the rich flavors.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to play with the One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe! This dish is your canvas—switching up ingredients or seasonings is not just allowed, it’s encouraged. Whether you need to accommodate dietary restrictions or just want to mix up the flavor, here are a few delicious ideas.
- Swap the beef: Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian twist.
- Change the pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or shells all work beautifully—just use a short pasta that can catch the sauce and beef.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Veggie boost: Stir in a handful of spinach, kale, or even peas in the last few minutes for color and nutrition.
- Make it extra cheesy: Mix in a handful of shredded mozzarella before serving for gooey comfort.
How to Make One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. As it cooks, break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Let it brown fully, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once browned, drain off any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate.
Step 2: Toast Garlic in Butter
In the same skillet (don’t wash it out—the bits left behind add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s velvety and bubbling, add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about a minute. You’ll smell that wonderful, toasty garlic aroma—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 3: Build Flavor & Season
Return your cooked beef to the skillet, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat every bite—these seasonings give your One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta that crave-able, savory punch!
Step 4: Simmer Everything Together
Next, pour in your chicken broth and add the dry cavatappi pasta straight to the pan. Press down any pasta sticking out so everything is just beneath the liquid. Bring it all to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir a few times so nothing sticks—when the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, you’re ready to serve!
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Ladle the hot, buttery pasta into bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of parmesan and fresh parsley. The cheese melts ever so slightly, and that fresh green pop makes the One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta extra inviting!
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Brown with Patience: Let the beef sear undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring—those crispy, caramelized edges boost the dish’s flavor dramatically.
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: Take your time with the garlic in butter; cook just until fragrant for rich, mellow flavor that won’t overpower.
- Broth is Gold: Use a good-quality, low-sodium chicken broth—it infuses the pasta and sauce with so much savory depth while keeping things balanced.
- Watch Your Pasta: Stir occasionally as the cavatappi cooks, adding extra broth if it looks dry—this keeps everything saucy and the pasta perfectly al dente.
How to Serve One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Garnishes
For a fresh and fancy touch, always finish your One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta with a shower of finely grated parmesan and a sprinkle of bright parsley. If you’re feeling extra, add an extra grating of black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil—these little upgrades do wonders.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or roasted garlic broccoli on the side. A crusty loaf of bread is absolutely perfect for swiping up any extra sauce—trust me, you won’t want a drop to go to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinner, serve straight from the skillet at the table for a cozy, rustic vibe. For entertaining, try plating your pasta in shallow bowls with charming twirls of cavatappi, a big finishing pinch of parmesan, and a sprig of parsley right on top—it looks as good as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta are a treat! Store cooled portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen, making for a satisfying lunch or repeat dinner.
Freezing
Want to freeze your pasta for later? You can! Let the dish cool completely, pack individual servings in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just know that the pasta will soften a bit after thawing, but it’ll still be deliciously cozy.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot and steamy.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta?
Absolutely! While cavatappi holds the sauce beautifully, penne, rotini, or even macaroni are all great alternatives—you may just need to adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta shape you choose.
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My pasta soaked up all the broth—can I add more liquid?
Yes, if you notice the sauce is thickening too quickly or the pasta isn’t fully cooked, just add a splash or two of chicken broth or even water as needed. Stir and let it simmer until the pasta is tender and the sauce is saucy.
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Can I make One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta ahead of time?
You sure can! This recipe reheats well, though the pasta will soften a bit after sitting in the sauce. For best results, add a splash of broth and reheat gently on the stovetop to bring it back to life.
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How can I make this dish a little healthier?
For a lighter twist, swap ground beef for lean turkey or chicken. You can also use whole wheat pasta, and be generous with extra veggies like spinach or broccoli tossed in at the end for a nutritious boost.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a dinner that’s both soul-warming and effortless, I hope you’ll give this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta a try. It’s comfort food at its finest, no fuss—just simple, flavorful ingredients sharing one cozy pot. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and watch everyone dig in with delight!
Print
One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 people 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pot beef and garlic butter pasta recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
- 1 pound
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other:
- 3 cups (24 ounces) chicken broth
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
- 1/2 cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Add spices and return cooked beef to the skillet.
- Cook Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, add pasta, and simmer covered for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Garnish with parmesan cheese and parsley before serving warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
