Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This recipe uses wholesome ingredients that bring out the best flavors.
- Ease of Preparation: It’s a one-pot meal, making cooking and cleanup a breeze.
- Nutrition: Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a hearty meal that satisfies.
- Versatility: You can customize this dish with your favorite pasta or add more veggies.
- Presentation: With its creamy texture and colorful toppings, it looks amazing on any table.
You’ll find this dish fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
(Note that times may vary.)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute beef broth)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 more cloves garlic, minced (for the garlic butter)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the diced onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the first portion of minced garlic (4 cloves), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
- If using, add white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and water. Bring to a boil, then add the pasta.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 12-15 minutes (check pasta package instructions and reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes).
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the garlic butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the remaining minced garlic (4 cloves) and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- When the pasta is al dente, reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and garlic butter. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold in chopped parsley and cherry tomatoes if using.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes for color.
- Accompaniments: Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Portions: Serve family-style or plated individually for a special touch.
- Beverage Pairing: A glass of red wine or iced tea complements this dish wonderfully.
Make this meal an instant hit with friends and family!
Additional Tips
- Flavor Enhancement: Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving can add brightness.
- Customization: Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutrition.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version: Mix in jalapeños or spicy sausage for a fiery twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free meal.
- Creamy Garlic Lovers: Double the amount of garlic and use roasted garlic for an even richer flavor.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Small saucepan
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
FAQ’s
Can I use frozen beef instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, simply substitute the pasta with a gluten-free alternative.Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare up to the point of adding cream and cheese, then store it. Reheat and add the cream before serving.What if I want to customize the flavors?
You can add your favorite herbs, spices, and vegetables to personalize it to your liking.Is there an alternative cooking method?
You can make this dish in an Instant Pot or slow cooker, but adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Conclusion
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a true delight that combines rich flavors and simple ingredients. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a small gathering, this dish promises satisfaction and smiles. Don’t hesitate to whip it up; you’ll be glad you did!
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
A creamy and flavorful one-pot pasta dish made with lean ground beef, garlic, and fresh ingredients, perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
Method
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the diced onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the first portion of minced garlic (4 cloves), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
- If using, add white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and water. Bring to a boil, then add the pasta.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 12-15 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the garlic butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the remaining minced garlic (4 cloves) and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- When the pasta is al dente, reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and garlic butter. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold in chopped parsley and cherry tomatoes if using.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
The meal can be enhanced with a splash of lemon juice before serving and can be customized with favorite veggies. It can also be frozen and stored.
Did you make this recipe?
Share a photo and tag us, we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!