Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pot.
Rich & Creamy: A velvety garlic butter sauce envelops the pasta and beef.
Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Easily swap beef for turkey, chicken, or mushrooms to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: A hearty dish that satisfies both kids and adults.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté Aromatics: Add butter to the beef. Once melted, sauté diced onion until translucent (about 3 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle boil. Add pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Simmer: Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Finish the Sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to maintain creaminess.
Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape such as rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini works well.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, use dairy-free butter, plant-based cream, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How can I add more vegetables?

Add bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or other veggies along with the beef.

Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?

Yes, homemade Alfredo sauce can replace store-bought.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Keep it covered during baking and add a splash of milk or extra sauce if needed.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze the assembled casserole (unbaked) for up to 3 months.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just thaw and drain before adding.

How do I make the top extra crispy?

Broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Can I add breadcrumbs for crunch?

Yes, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Its creamy sauce, tender beef, and garlic butter flavor make it a family favorite. Enjoy the ease of one-pot cooking without compromising on taste.