If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner, this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender ground beef cooked just right, rich garlic butter adding a luscious depth, and perfectly tender cavatappi pasta soaking up all those savory juices—all made in one pan to keep things simple and cleanup a breeze. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that feels special yet comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you need a delicious dinner without the hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in building bold flavors and that perfect creamy texture. Simple staples come together effortlessly, turning everyday pantry items into something exceptional.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, meaty flavor and satisfying protein.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness and helps mellow the garlic’s punch.
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced: The aromatic star that infuses every bite with warmth.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances garlic flavor for a deeper, layered taste.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Adds a gentle zing that brightens the overall profile.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A touch of heat to round out the seasoning.
- 3 cups (24 ounces) chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that helps cook the pasta and infuses it with savory goodness.
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is luscious.
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated for garnish: Adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Brings a pop of color and fresh brightness.
How to Make One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. This step builds the base flavor and ensures the beef is tender and juicy. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily, then set the beef aside for the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, melt your butter slowly to avoid burning. Add the minced garlic and cook just for about a minute until fragrant and golden—this step unlocks that irresistible garlic aroma that will carry throughout the entire dish. The butter and garlic combo is what makes this recipe stand out with its deeply savory, buttery richness.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well so the beef is evenly coated in those seasonings—that way each mouthful bursts with balanced flavor. This stage is all about layering in that complexity and ensuring the dish is perfectly seasoned.
Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and toss in the cavatappi pasta right on top. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth, usually around 12 to 15 minutes. This one pot method means all the flavors marry beautifully, and you get that creamy sauce clinging to every twist of pasta without needing extra steps or pots.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the pasta is ready, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top for a final flourish of flavor and color. The parmesan melts slightly, adding a salty, nutty kick that complements the buttery garlic base perfectly, while the parsley freshens and brightens every bite.
How to Serve One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese or freshly cracked black pepper over the dish to elevate the flavor even further. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a lovely brightness that contrasts the richness. Don’t be shy with fresh herbs like parsley or even basil for a pop of green and freshness that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious buttery sauce. For a fresher contrast, steamed broccoli or a light tomato cucumber salad can brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in warm bowls topped with a Parmesan crisp or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for added texture. For a crowd, keep it in the skillet and let everyone help themselves family-style—this makes for a cozy and relaxed meal. Alternatively, plate it with a swirl of balsamic glaze or a touch of chili flakes for a hint of heat and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb more liquid as it sits, so keep a splash of broth or water handy when reheating to help loosen it back up and keep it creamy.
Freezing
While pasta generally doesn’t freeze as well due to texture changes, you can freeze the cooked beef mixture separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and cook fresh pasta to combine for the freshest taste. If freezing the whole dish, expect some slight texture changes but it will still taste delicious with proper reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water to restore creaminess and prevent sticking. You can also microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring in between, to warm evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cavatappi is perfect for holding the sauce, penne, rotini, or fusilli would also work beautifully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.
Is ground turkey or chicken a good substitute for the beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. The flavor will be a bit milder, so consider boosting the seasoning slightly to keep the dish flavorful.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this vegetarian, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and follow the same cooking method for great results.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking or clumping?
Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks and keep the heat at a gentle simmer. Adding enough broth and butter also helps the pasta cook evenly without sticking.
Can I add vegetables to the One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Consider adding spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color, texture, and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the ease and rich flavors of the One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. It takes simple ingredients and turns them into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish will quickly become a favorite to come back to time and time again. So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy deliciousness made effortlessly in one pot!
Print
One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned and combined with fragrant garlic butter, seasoned with a blend of spices, then simmered with cavatappi pasta in chicken broth until tender. Finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this comforting pasta is easy to prepare and packed with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 3 cups (24 ounces) chicken broth
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: Using the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the garlic butter. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to evenly coat the beef with the seasonings and butter.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and add the cavatappi pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth, approximately 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat. Garnish the dish generously with grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Drain excess grease from the ground beef to avoid a greasy dish.
- Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking garlic.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for more robust flavor.
- This recipe works well with other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne.
