One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a fast, soul-soothing dinner that brings together rich flavors with minimal cleanup, One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is about to be your new weeknight hero. Picture perfectly seasoned beef, swirls of cavatappi, and a garlicky, buttery sauce that’s absolutely irresistible—all cooked in a single pan, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time devouring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is how it transforms a handful of everyday staples into something that tastes downright special. Each ingredient adds its own magic: think tender beef for heartiness, cavatappi for twirls of texture, and all the garlic-butter goodness you could ever dream of.

• Ground Beef (1 pound): Go for 80/20 for the perfect balance of juicy flavor and meaty bite.
• Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Real butter makes the sauce luxuriously rich—don’t skimp!
• Minced Garlic (2 tablespoons): Use fresh garlic for maximum aroma and depth, or jarred in a pinch.
• Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): This boosts that garlicky warmth and ensures every bite sings.
• Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): For a subtle sweetness and background savoriness that ties everything together.
• Mustard Powder (½ teaspoon): A secret ingredient that adds tangy zip and keeps the dish from tasting flat.
• Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon): Makes all those bold flavors pop.
• Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just the right amount of bite and heat.
• Chicken Broth (3 cups, 24 ounces): Adds depth and lets the pasta cook up perfectly tender right in the pot.
• Cavatappi Pasta (8 ounces): Those curly noodles are amazing for capturing all the buttery sauce and beef!
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated, for garnish): Shower this on top for a salty, nutty, melty finish.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Brings color and fresh flavor to every plate.

Variations

This one-pot wonder is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to experiment! Whether you need to swap an ingredient, add extra veggies, or adjust for dietary preferences, you’ll find it’s a breeze to make the One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta your own.

• Swap the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage are all delicious substitutes for beef if you want a different flavor profile or lighter option.
• Add Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, bell peppers, or even peas during the last few minutes of simmering for a burst of color and nutrition.
• Make It Creamy: Splash in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving for extra richness (think decadent weeknight treat!).
• Cheese Galore: Try mixing in mozzarella, fontina, or even a little sharp cheddar if you love your pasta ultra-cheesy.

How to Make One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. You want the meat nicely browned with no pink remaining—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease to keep things from turning oily, then transfer the beef to a plate while you make way for that dreamy garlic butter base.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

In the same skillet, drop in your butter and let it melt down until silky and sizzling (but not browned). Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute—this is where you’ll smell that cozy, nutty aroma fill the kitchen. Be sure to stir so nothing burns; you just want it fragrant and softened.

Step 3: Season and Return Beef

Time to pile the cooked beef back into the skillet. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so those warm spices and aromatics thoroughly coat every bit of beef. This simple step unlocks so much flavor!

Step 4: Simmer with Pasta and Broth

Pour in your chicken broth and bring the mixture up to a simmer. Add the cavatappi, making sure the curls are just covered by liquid. Pop on a lid and let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once or twice. The pasta will soak up all that rich, garlicky goodness while becoming irresistibly tender.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked and the liquid has thickened slightly, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Dish it up warm, then finish things off with a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese and a scatter of freshly chopped parsley for a final pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Garnishes

Nothing elevates One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta like a generous cloud of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of bright green parsley. For even more wow-factor, try finishing each bowl with a drizzle of extra melted butter or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

Pair this comforting pasta with a crisp arugula or Caesar salad to balance its richness. Warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are always a slam-dunk for sopping up every last bit of that glorious sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pasta in a big family-style bowl for easy sharing, or twirl individual portions into deep plates for a bistro-style vibe. For gatherings, serve in small ramekins as hearty appetizers, or top with big parmesan shavings and microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making your next meal just as delicious—if not more!

Freezing

Want to freeze for later? Let the pasta cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months, though the pasta may soften a bit once reheated—but it’s still a total lifesaver for busy nights.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to whip up this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta and see just how effortless (and satisfying!) homemade comfort food can be. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe has a way of becoming an instant classic at the table—so gather your loved ones and enjoy every garlicky, buttery, beef-y bite!

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