Simple deliciousness. One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is made with ground beef and tender cavatappi pasta simmered in a rich, garlicky broth with a hint of mustard, garlic, and onion powders. An easy dinner made in just one pot! (My kids loved buttered noodles, but I had a pound of ground beef I wanted to use. That is how this was born!) If you are in the mood for something with a little kick, check out my One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta– another quick and satisfying dish made in just one pot!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Meat: I added ground beef to this pasta dish. If you want to switch it up, try it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage. Remove the beef after cooking it so it doesn’t overcook.
- Garlic: Garlic is a key ingredient (and flavor) in this pasta dish. I used 2 tablespoons of minced garlic as well as 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder!
- Seasonings: For a flavorful base to the dish (without overwhelming it), I added garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Chicken Broth: The chicken broth helps make the pasta extra flavorful by adding richness and moisture. It also helps the pasta cook evenly, soaking up all the delicious seasonings. If you don’t have regular chicken broth, you can use low-sodium chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water. Just keep in mind that using water won’t add as much flavor.
- Pasta: Cavatappi pasta is a great choice for this dish (I love it!) because its spiral shape and ridges help hold onto the sauce, making each bite full of flavor. The twists and grooves also give the dish a fun texture, and it pairs perfectly with the beef and broth. If you don’t have cavatappi, you can use other short pastas like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne! Or, get creative and make homemade shaped pasta!
- Parmesan Cheese: You can garnish the pasta either by adding it to individual servings or by garnishing the entire pot before serving.
Can I Make Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Spicier?
Yes, you can make this beef and garlic butter pasta spicier! You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even use spicy sausage instead of ground beef. If you like hot sauce, you can drizzle some on top when serving. Just add a little at a time to make sure it’s the right level of spice for you!
Can I Add Vegetables Or Other Ingredients To Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta?
Yes, you can add vegetables or other ingredients to make the dish even better! Some great options are spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, peas, or carrots. You can also try adding extra cheese, like mozzarella, for a creamy twist. Just stir them in as you cook.
How To Store One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Once cooled, store leftover beef and garlic butter pasta 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 keep it creamy.
Can I Freeze This Pasta Dish?
I recommend enjoying this dish fresh (plus, it is so easy to put together). But it can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply thaw and warm it up on the stove with a splash of broth or water to bring it back to its creamy, delicious goodness!
One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespooons garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 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
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and transfer the beef to a plate; set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Serve warm, garnished with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
I love how easy this is to make, and the flavors are great!
Elizabeth
I could even put this together, and I probably have most of the ingredients at home already! Nice!
Stephanie
This pasta dish is quick, tasty, and I definitely ate all of mine!
Bella
This is perfect for a busy night, or when you are craving something satisfying without much work!
Annabelle
This is great. I like extra parmesan on mine!
Madde this recipe for supper..we both loved it,…will definitely make again. I tossed in about a 1/2 lb. Of asparagus about 3 minutes before I took the pan off of the stove…easy way to cook the asparagus and save a pot… asparagus was cut into 2’ pieces…
Great idea! Thank you!
I added a handful of frozen peas. Tahdahhhh. Thanks for the quick and delicious recipes 😊