An Easy One-Pot Comfort Meal That Never Lets You Down
There are some meals that don’t try to impress — they just show up when you need them most.
This creamy garlic butter pasta with ground beef is one of those dishes.
It’s the kind of meal you make on a long weekday evening when your brain is tired, your fridge is half-empty, and you want something filling, cozy, and undeniably good. No fancy ingredients. No complicated steps. Just real food that tastes like it understands you.
What makes this dish special isn’t just the creaminess or the buttery garlic sauce (though those definitely help). It’s how everything comes together in one pan. The beef gets rich and savory. The garlic melts into the butter. The pasta soaks up all that flavor instead of sitting under it. And by the end, you’re left with a skillet full of comfort that feels like it took way more effort than it actually did.
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and then keep in your back pocket forever.
Why This Pasta Works So Well
- One pot, minimal cleanup – because nobody wants extra dishes
- Ground beef – affordable, filling, and full of flavor
- Garlic butter + cream – a combination that never misses
- Perfect for busy nights – ready in about 30 minutes
- Family-friendly – picky eaters usually go back for seconds
You can dress it up with herbs or keep it simple. Either way, it delivers every time.
Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta with Ground Beef – Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work great)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
- 2 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the beef
In a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave a little for flavor.
2. Add butter, garlic, and onion
Lower the heat slightly and add the butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in the garlic and onion. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant and soft. Don’t let the garlic brown.
3. Build the sauce
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
4. Cook the pasta in the sauce
Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pan. Make sure it’s mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Finish with cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Let it rest for a minute or two — the sauce will thicken even more.
6. Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve straight from the pan while it’s hot and creamy.
Tips & Variations
- Want it extra creamy? Add a splash more cream or a spoon of cream cheese
- No beef? Ground turkey or chicken works well
- Add veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or peas slide right in
- Cheese swap: Asiago or Romano give it a sharper bite
- Crispy topping: Finish with toasted breadcrumbs for texture
Final Thought
This is the kind of meal that doesn’t need a special occasion. It’s for regular nights. For tired people. For families around the table. For when you want something rich and satisfying without turning your kitchen upside down.
Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it quietly becomes one of your most-requested dinners.
Because sometimes, all you really need…
is a pan, some pasta, and a lot of garlic butter. 🍝💛
