Heartwarming Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe for Cold Days

Hearty comfort calls during chilly evenings, and this delectable beef and garlic butter pasta hits every craving perfectly.

Rich flavors meld seamlessly into a satisfying meal that speaks directly to hungry souls.

Tender beef mingles with silky pasta, creating a dance of textures that excite the palate.

Garlic butter adds a luxurious depth that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each forkful promises warmth and satisfaction, inviting you to savor every single bite.

Straightforward yet sophisticated, this recipe offers restaurant-quality taste right from your own kitchen.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing dish for those nights when only pure comfort will do.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 605 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Pasta

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty protein that creates a satisfying base for the dish, choose lean cuts for less grease and better texture.
• Milk: Adds creamy smoothness and helps cook pasta, select whole milk for richer flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty depth and helps thicken sauce, opt for freshly grated for best taste.

• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish, use fresh cloves for most robust taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for better mineral complexity.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground offers more vibrant taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle spiciness, adjust amount based on heat preference.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal complexity with blend of classic Mediterranean herbs.

• Olive Oil: Creates initial cooking foundation, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Beef Broth: Builds rich umami base, low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and silky texture to final sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh garnish with clean herbal notes.

One Pot, Big Flavor – Tools You’ll Need

• Large deep skillet or pot: Essential for cooking the entire one-pot meal, allowing enough space for ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure broth, milk, and pasta for consistent results.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grating parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping fresh parsley as a garnish.

How to Cook One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

• Sizzle the Meat

Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into tasty crumbles. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the meat looks deliciously golden.

• Awaken the Flavors

Toss in garlic, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Let the aromas dance for about a minute, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.

• Create the Liquid Base

Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring everything together to create a rich, creamy foundation for your pasta.

• Pasta Magic

Add uncooked pasta and Italian seasoning, ensuring the pasta is mostly covered by the liquid. Gently stir to distribute ingredients evenly.

• Simmer to Perfection

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

• Finish with Creamy Goodness

Lower the heat and mix in parmesan cheese and butter until the sauce becomes wonderfully smooth and glossy. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick.

• Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and add an extra dusting of parmesan. Serve piping hot alongside garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Pro Tips to Make It Even Creamier

• Pasta Perfection Techniques: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace milk and butter with unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free butter substitute to create a lactose-free version.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to increase or decrease heat intensity – start with a pinch for mild flavor or add extra for bold kick.
• Leftover Magic: Store refrigerated pasta in airtight container for 3-4 days; reheat with splash of broth to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during beef cooking stage to add extra nutrition and flavor complexity.

Plate One-Pot Beef Pasta Like a Pro

• Family Feast Companion: Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy beef dish.
• Garlic Bread Delight: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the robust beef flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot, which enhances the savory notes of the dish.
• Veggie Boost Option: Top with sautéed fresh vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to add extra nutrition and a pop of color to the comforting one-pot meal.

Storing This Hearty Pasta the Right Way

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the meal fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Revive the creamy pasta by adding a splash of milk or broth when warming in the microwave or stovetop. Stir frequently to maintain the sauce's smooth consistency and prevent scorching.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance and store in the refrigerator. The flavors will intensify, creating an even more delicious meal when you're ready to serve. Just reheat carefully to maintain the creamy texture.

Comforting Beef And Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich, comforting one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal kitchen effort. Home cooks can enjoy this hearty meal that combines tender beef, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in a single skillet.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
• 2 tbsps butter
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cups milk (or heavy cream)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a perfect golden cooking surface.
2. Meat Transformation: Crumble ground beef into the pan, browning thoroughly while breaking into small pieces, infusing with garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for maximum flavor intensity.
3. Liquid Foundation: Pour beef broth and milk into the skillet, whisking to create a smooth liquid base, then nestle uncooked pasta into the mixture, ensuring complete coverage and stirring in Italian seasoning.
4. Simmering Stage: Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure pasta reaches perfect tenderness, allowing flavors to meld harmoniously.
5. Creamy Finish: Reduce heat and incorporate parmesan cheese and butter, creating a luxurious, silky sauce that envelops every pasta strand. Adjust consistency with additional milk or broth if needed.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra parmesan on top, then plate immediately. Complement with crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Choose High-Quality Beef: Select lean ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for maximum flavor and moisture without excessive greasiness.
• Control Pasta Liquid Absorption: Stir frequently and monitor liquid levels to prevent burning or undercooked pasta, adjusting broth as needed during simmering.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding parmesan to prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating, creating smooth, creamy sauce.
• Customize Spice Levels: Modify red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, starting with minimal amount and gradually increasing for desired kick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg