If you love a comforting, hearty meal that satisfies every craving and doesn’t keep you tethered to the kitchen all day, then this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with garlic butter’s rich, luscious flavor, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta and a fragrant Italian-inspired sauce—all made effortlessly in just one pot. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and those moments when you want indulgence without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, whether it’s adding depth, creaminess, or that perfect pop of flavor and color to the dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides savory richness and protein-packed substance to the dish.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Adds creaminess and a silky garlic butter finish.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Brings sweetness and a tender bite after cooking.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses bold, aromatic flavor that is the heart of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers earthy herbs that elevate the sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle kick if you like a touch of heat.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: The tomato base that keeps things vibrant and saucy.
- 3 cups beef broth: Helps cook the pasta and infuses it with meaty goodness.
- 12 ounces penne pasta (uncooked): Catches every bit of sauce in its tubes for maximum flavor delivery.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and earthiness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted for that gooey, cheesy texture everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides sharp, nutty notes and richness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds freshness and a beautiful green pop on top.
How to Make One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef and Onions
Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains. Break it apart with a spoon so you get nice crumbles. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the flavors balanced without greasiness. Toss in the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it turns soft and translucent, adding natural sweetness that complements the beef perfectly.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and if you want a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes. Cook this flavorful trio for just a minute until you smell those fragrant aromas waking up your senses. This step layers those cozy, familiar scents that make you hungry just by smelling the pot.
Step 3: Combine Sauce, Broth, and Pasta
Pour in the jar of marinara sauce followed by the beef broth, then stir everything together. Now, add the uncooked penne pasta along with salt and black pepper. This is where the magic begins as the pasta will cook right in the sauce, soaking up all those delicious flavors and juices.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed into the sauce, making a delightful coating on every noodle.
Step 5: Stir in Butter and Cheese for Creaminess
Turn off the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Watch as they melt into a creamy, cheesy sauce that ties the whole dish together with comfort and decadence. The result is smooth, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely color contrast and a burst of freshness that lightens the richness of the beef and cheese. Feel free to add a bit more Parmesan on top for extra cheesy goodness and a grind of fresh black pepper for a final touch.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best with simple sides that don’t compete but complement. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli balances the richness with their crunch and brightness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the pasta into individual oven-safe ramekins and broil them for 2-3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns on top for a fancy twist. You can also serve this pasta over a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside grilled veggies for a more colorful plate that’s as inviting to the eye as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The great news is this one pot beef and garlic butter pasta keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain maximum freshness and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, freeze the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. It makes a lifesaver of a ready meal that just needs thawing and reheating on busy days when time is tight.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to rejuvenate the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated through and creamy once again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works beautifully here, feel free to swap in rigatoni, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed, keeping an eye to ensure the pasta cooks through perfectly.
Is it possible to make this recipe without butter?
You can, though the butter is key for that luscious garlic butter flavor and creamy texture. If you need to substitute, olive oil can work, but it will change the richness and mouthfeel.
How spicy is this pasta?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes as optional, so you can easily control the heat level. Leave them out for a milder dish or add more for a bolder kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini when you add the onions for an extra boost of nutrition and texture. Just cook them slightly before combining with the sauce so they soften nicely.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep because it stores well and reheats beautifully without losing its creamy, cheesy appeal. Portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines richness, comfort, and simplicity all in one pot, and this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe delivers exactly that in spades. It’s a meal that hugs your soul and makes weeknight cooking a breeze. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy pasta with all the ease and flavor you could hope for.
Print
One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting Italian-American dish combining ground beef, tender penne pasta, and rich garlic butter all cooked together in a single pot. Enhanced with savory marinara sauce, aromatic herbs, and melted cheeses, it delivers a hearty, creamy, and flavorful meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant to build depth of flavor.
- Add Sauces and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, then stir in the uncooked penne pasta along with salt and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese and Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese until they melt into a creamy sauce, coating the pasta and beef evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot, enjoying this rich and savory one-pot meal.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end with the cheeses.
- Penne pasta can be substituted with rigatoni, rotini, or spaghetti as preferred.
- This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers for meal prepping.
