One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

If you adore rich, savory flavors and crave simple comfort food, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta. Imagine tender pasta, juicy ground beef, and a buttery-garlicky sauce—all coming together effortlessly in one skillet. It’s a weeknight miracle that’s hearty, family-friendly, and requires minimal cleanup!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of one pot meals lies in keeping things fuss-free and flavorful! Every ingredient in this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta serves a purpose—from building savory depth to delivering buttery richness and perfectly tender pasta.

• Ground beef (1 pound): Opt for 80/20 for the juiciest results—this creates that classic, savory foundation.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Butter is the secret to creating a velvety, aromatic sauce that clings to the noodles.
• Garlic, minced (2 tablespoons): Minced garlic transforms the butter into a golden, fragrant finishing touch—don’t skimp here!
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): A second layer of garlicky depth that evenly seasons the entire pasta.
• Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Delivers subtle sweetness and complexity you’d miss if left out.
• Mustard powder (½ teaspoon): A little zing that balances all the richness from beef and butter.
• Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and brings everything together—not too much, just enough.
• Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For gentle warmth and lift.
• Chicken broth (3 cups/24 ounces): Adds savory flavor and cooks the pasta right in the pot, creating a starchy, silky sauce.
• Cavatappi pasta (8 ounces): These curly noodles hold onto the sauce beautifully; penne or rotini work too!
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup/50g, for garnish): Grated on top just before serving—it adds creaminess and a salty punch.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): A pop of color and freshness to balance all the rich flavors.

Variations

This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is delightfully forgiving—feel free to riff on the essentials depending on what’s on hand or who’s joining you for dinner. Here are a few creative twists you can try!

• Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, sausage, or even rotisserie chicken for a totally different flavor but just as much comfort.
• Add Veggies: Toss in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the beef to sneak extra nutrients and color.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes—or a swirl of hot sauce—gives this dish a nice, gentle heat.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the parmesan for a lighter, dairy-free option that still packs plenty of flavor.

How to Make One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, being sure to brown it evenly for the best flavor. Once there’s no more pink, about 6-8 minutes, drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to a plate so you can build the rest of your flavors without extra fat.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

In the same skillet, drop in your butter over medium heat and let it melt until it gets foamy and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just about a minute—you want to smell that rich garlic aroma, not burn it! This is the heart of your sauce.

Step 3: Season Everything

Return the browned beef to the skillet and sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure all the meat gets coated with that delicious, savory goodness. This step really brings dimension to the dish!

Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor gold. Stir in the cavatappi pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid so each noodle cooks up tender and flavorful. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Cover the skillet and let everything cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally as the pasta softens and soaks up that buttery, savory broth. You’re looking for al dente noodles and a glossy, slightly thickened sauce that clings to every bite. Once done, remove from heat.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Dish up the pasta while it’s piping hot. Finish with a generous snow of freshly grated parmesan and plenty of chopped parsley for the perfect pop of flavor and color. Dig in—the One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Garnishes

Garnish makes everything extra special! Shower your One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta with freshly grated parmesan—you want those melty, salty flecks to land everywhere. Finish with lots of bright parsley for a fresh touch (and a pop of color that really makes the dish sing).

Side Dishes

This pasta already feels like a full meal, but a simple green salad toss, buttery garlic bread, or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus round things out beautifully. They add a little crunch and freshness alongside the rich, saucy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta family-style in a big, shallow bowl for everyone to help themselves, or plate it up in individual bowls with a final sprinkle of cheese right at the table. For a fun twist at parties, try serving it from mini skillets or ramekins—each person gets their own buttery, comforting portion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to soak up some of that saucy goodness, making each bite even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, though the noodles may soften a bit upon thawing. Let the dish cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For best flavor and texture, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure everything reheats evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that’s both delicious and easy enough for any night of the week, give One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta a try. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a few simple ingredients into something truly special—and I promise, one bite and you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation. Gather up your loved ones, dig in, and enjoy every silky, garlicky spoonful!

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