Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate one-pot comfort food that brings together rich, savory flavors in just 30 minutes. I’ve been making this creamy, satisfying dish for years, and it never fails to bring my family rushing to the dinner table.
There’s something magical about the combination of browned ground beef, fragrant garlic, and rich butter all melding together with tender pasta. I first discovered this recipe during one of those busy weeknights when I needed something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. My grandmother always said the best meals come from simple ingredients cooked with love, and this beef and garlic butter pasta proves her right every single time.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – everything cooks together in one pot, creating layers of flavor while keeping cleanup to a minimum. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
This beef and garlic butter pasta has become a staple in my kitchen because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. I’ve served this to countless family dinners and potluck gatherings, and it’s always met with empty plates and recipe requests.
Quick and easy preparation that’s ready in about 30 minutes
One-pot cooking method means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
Rich, creamy garlic butter sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly
Customizable recipe that works with any pasta shape you have on hand
Perfect for busy weeknights when you need comfort food fast
Family-friendly flavors that please both kids and adults
Simple ingredients create an incredibly satisfying meal
This creamy pasta dish is more than just dinner—it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings everyone together around the table.
Ingredient Note List
Ground Beef: I always choose 80/20 ground beef because it provides the perfect balance of flavor and richness without being too greasy for the pasta.
Butter: Real butter is essential here as it creates the base of our rich garlic sauce and adds that luxurious mouthfeel that makes this dish so comforting.
Fresh Garlic: In my kitchen, I prefer using fresh minced garlic over powder because it gives a more aromatic and robust flavor that really shines in this beef and garlic butter pasta.
Italian Seasoning: This herb blend adds depth and complexity to the dish, complementing both the beef and garlic beautifully with its mix of oregano, basil, and thyme.
Beef Broth: The broth not only cooks the pasta but also infuses it with savory flavor while creating the perfect amount of liquid for our one-pot method.
Parmesan Cheese: I always recommend using freshly grated Parmesan because it melts more smoothly and provides that sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Heavy Cream: This optional ingredient creates an extra creamy texture that makes the sauce incredibly luxurious and restaurant-quality.
Pasta: Any shape works wonderfully, but I particularly love penne or rigatoni because the tubes hold onto that delicious garlic butter sauce perfectly.
How to Cook Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Step 1. I usually start by melting the butter in my largest pot over medium heat, which gives the beef an incredible flavor base right from the beginning.
Step 2. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until it’s beautifully browned – this takes about 5-7 minutes and creates the foundation of flavor.
Step 3. My grandmother always taught me to drain excess fat at this point, which prevents the dish from becoming too greasy while keeping all that delicious beef flavor.
Step 4. I’ve found that adding the minced garlic and Italian seasoning next allows them to become fragrant without burning – just 1-2 minutes does the trick.
Step 5. Pour in the beef broth and add your uncooked pasta, making sure every piece is submerged – this is where the magic happens as everything cooks together.
Step 6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 7. Once the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, I stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream if using, creating that perfectly creamy sauce.
Step 8. My family prefers when I season generously with salt and pepper at the end, tasting and adjusting until it’s just right for our taste buds.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover beef and garlic butter pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Make sure the pasta has cooled completely before storing to maintain the best texture.
In my experience, this dish doesn’t freeze particularly well because the cream-based sauce can separate when thawed, so I recommend enjoying it fresh or within those first few days.
For best results, I recommend reheating leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or beef broth to restore the creamy consistency. You can also use the microwave – just cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one.
Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Creamy, buttery, and loaded with garlic and savory ground beef, this one-pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Quick to make and loved by all ages, it combines pantry staples into a rich and satisfying pasta dish that’s indulgent without the fuss. Customize it to your taste and enjoy cozy, flavorful bites in under 30 minutes.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Add garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in beef broth and uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Stir in Parmesan. Add cream or milk if using, and stir until creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot, topped with herbs and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Use any pasta shape you prefer. Don’t skip draining beef fat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust cream amount to taste. Add splash of broth if pasta dries out.
What to Serve with Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Crisp Caesar Salad: The fresh, crunchy romaine and tangy dressing provide a perfect contrast—just like I serve with Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon to lighten up bold, creamy mains. to the rich, creamy pasta while adding nutritional balance to your meal.
Garlic Bread: This classic pairing is always a hit at our dinner table—especially when served with something rich like my Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice, where the buttery sauce just begs for bread. – the buttery, garlicky bread complements the pasta flavors while giving everyone something to soak up any extra sauce.
Roasted Green Beans: I often serve these alongside because their bright color and crisp-tender texture create a beautiful contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
Simple Arugula Salad: The peppery bite of arugula with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully and adds a fresh element to the meal.
Honey Glazed Carrots: The natural sweetness of glazed carrots pairs wonderfully with the savory beef and creates a colorful, well-rounded plate that everyone loves.
Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious side adds color and vitamins, and I often pair it with dishes like Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli when I want something slightly crisp with a garlicky twist. while providing a nice textural contrast to the creamy pasta.
FAQs
How many calories are in beef and garlic butter pasta?
I estimate this recipe provides approximately 450-500 calories per serving, with the ground beef contributing significant protein content of about 25-30 grams per portion.
Is beef and garlic butter pasta healthy?
This dish provides good protein from the beef and carbohydrates from the pasta, though I recommend balancing it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to add more nutrients and fiber to your meal.
Can I make this beef and garlic butter pasta ahead of time?
I usually don’t recommend making this dish too far ahead because the pasta can absorb the sauce and become mushy, but you can prepare it up to 2 hours before serving and reheat gently.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
Many home cooks find that half-and-half, whole milk, or even evaporated milk work well as substitutes – just add them gradually and stir constantly to achieve your desired creamy consistency.
