Dinner

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

ByHarper Ellington March 30, 2026March 30, 2026

Introduction

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Packed with rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and easy.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with pasta layered with ground meat sauce mixed evenly among the pasta tubes. The pasta is a light golden color and looks soft, covered with a generous amount of finely grated cheese that melts slightly into the meat and pasta. Small bits of chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of fresh color. The texture of the ground meat is crumbly but moist, sitting mostly on top and between the pasta. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or beef substitutes)
12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
4 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons garlic butter (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot.
Step 2: Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the garlic butter and let it melt completely.
Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 6: Add the uncooked pasta, stirring well to ensure it’s fully submerged in the broth.
Step 7: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Step 8: Stir in the heavy cream and optional greens, cooking until heated through.
Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 10: Serve warm sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a plant-based alternative or cooked lentils.
Try adding mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions for extra flavor and texture.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the broth slightly or add more cream at the end.
Use homemade garlic butter for a fresher and more pronounced garlic taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess if needed.