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One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

This One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a warm hug in a bowl that’s so easy, you’ll be making it on repeat. Seriously, it's a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you just want something incredibly satisfying without a mountain of dishes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 12 oz penne or pasta of choice
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Pot
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Tongs
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Grab your favorite large skillet or pot. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef, season it generously with salt and pepper, and let it cook until it's beautifully browned. Break it up as it cooks for even pieces.
  2. Step 2: Now, it's time to add the flavor bombs! Stir in your minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, and those optional red pepper flakes. Give it a good sauté for about a minute until you can really smell that incredible aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
  3. Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and the glorious heavy cream. Then, add your uncooked pasta right into the pot. Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil.
  4. Step 4: Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. You'll want to stir it every so often to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly al dente and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
  5. Step 5: Turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the butter. Keep stirring until everything is melted and the sauce is luxuriously creamy. It’s going to look and smell amazing!
  6. Step 6: Ladle this creamy goodness into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy immediately. You've just created a masterpiece!

Notes

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to switch things up:
  • Protein Power: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • Veggie Boost: Toss in some spinach, peas, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers with the beef in step 2. They’ll wilt right into the sauce!
  • Spice It Up: If you love a kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
  • Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyere for a different cheesy experience.
  • Herbal Notes: Fresh thyme or rosemary would also be delicious additions.
A few little tricks to make this recipe absolutely perfect:
  • Don't Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on it during the simmering stage. Pasta continues to cook a bit even after the heat is off.
  • Adjust Liquid: If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more beef broth or even a little water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
  • Stir Regularly: This is key in a one-pot dish to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
  • Prep Ahead: You can pre-chop your garlic and parsley ahead of time to make the cooking process even faster.
  • For a Richer Sauce: If you want an even more decadent sauce, you can add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end with the Parmesan.