Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It combines ground beef, pasta, and a creamy garlic butter sauce, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1:
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2:
Add butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
Step 3:
Pour in the beef broth and uncooked pasta. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Step 4:
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
Step 5:
Let sit for 3–5 minutes off heat to thicken slightly. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce combined with beef and cheese creates a rich and satisfying taste.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences by adding different vegetables or spices.
- Comfort Food: A creamy and cheesy pasta dish that’s sure to please the whole family.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Pair with a glass of red wine for a more sophisticated meal.
Tips:
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Protein: 40g (estimated)
- Sodium: 800mg (estimated)
Conclusion
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Its ease of preparation and flavorful results make it a great addition to your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use other types of pasta like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted according to the pasta package instructions.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! Adding vegetables like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. Sauté the vegetables along with the garlic before adding the beef broth.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so add a little extra beef broth or water when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.
- Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? Yes, you can use milk, but the sauce won’t be as creamy. For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half or adding a tablespoon of butter along with the milk.
- Can I freeze this pasta dish? Freezing is possible, but the texture of the pasta and sauce may change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, undercook the pasta slightly and use a freezer-safe container. When reheating, add a little liquid to help restore the creamy texture.
