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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Sear Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a perfect golden cooking surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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