One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

The Sizzle That Starts It All

There is nothing like the sound of beef browning in a pan. It is a happy, sizzling sound. It means a good meal is on its way. I love watching it change from pink to a rich, cozy brown.

You just cook it until no pink remains. Then set it aside for a little rest. This matters because browning the meat first gives our dish a deeper, richer flavor. It is the foundation of our dinner.

A Little Secret in the Pan

Now, do not wash that pan. All those little brown bits left behind are flavor gold. We melt butter right in there. Then we add the fresh garlic.

Oh, the smell is just wonderful. It fills the whole house. Fun fact: Garlic has been used for thousands of years. People even thought it gave you strength. I believe it.

My Grandson’s Favorite Part

My grandson loves to add the pasta. He pours the cavatappi right into the skillet. The shape looks like little corkscrews. They are perfect for holding onto our garlic butter sauce.

Then we add the broth and let it all bubble away. The pasta cooks right in that tasty liquid. This is the magic of a one-pot meal. It means fewer dishes to wash later. And that is a very good thing.

The Big Finish

When you lift the lid, the pasta should be tender. Most of the liquid will be gone. Now for the best part. We shower it with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

The cheese gets a little melty. The parsley adds a fresh, bright pop. This matters because finishing touches make a simple meal feel special. It is like putting a bow on a gift. What is your favorite cheese to sprinkle on pasta?

A Cozy Meal for Any Night

This dish is my go-to on busy evenings. It is so simple and comforting. Everything comes together in one pot. I still laugh at how my family races to the table when I make it.

It is a complete meal all by itself. You have your protein, your carbs, and your joy all in one bowl. Does your family have a favorite weeknight dinner that everyone loves?

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Cooking is about sharing. It is about making memories. This recipe is a great one to start with. It is hard to get wrong.

If you try it, I would love to hear about it. What little twist did you add to make it your own? Maybe you used a different herb. Sharing our kitchen stories is how we learn and connect.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground beef	1 pound
Unsalted butter	3 tablespoons
Garlic, minced	2 tablespoons
Garlic powder	1/2 teaspoon
Onion powder	1/2 teaspoon
Mustard powder	1/2 teaspoon
Kosher salt	1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/4 teaspoon
Chicken broth	3 cups (24 ounces)
Cavatappi pasta	8 ounces
Parmesan cheese, grated	1/2 cup (50 g)	For garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped		For garnish

My Cozy One-Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Hello, my dear! Come sit with me in the kitchen. I want to share a wonderful recipe with you. It’s my One-Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta. This dish is pure comfort in a bowl. The smell of garlic and butter fills the whole house. It reminds me of cooking for my own family on busy weeknights. Everything cooks in just one pot. That means less washing up for you later. I still smile thinking about my grandson licking his plate clean. Let’s get started, shall we?

Step 1: Grab a large skillet and put it over medium heat. Add your ground beef to the pan. Use a spoon to break it up into little pieces as it cooks. It will take about 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s all brown. Then, take the beef out and drain any extra grease. (A hard-learned tip: Draining the fat makes your dish tastier and less greasy. I learned that the hard way!)

Step 2: Now, put that same skillet back on the stove. No need to wash it! Melt your butter in the pan. Oh, that smell is just wonderful. Add your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute. It should smell amazing and fragrant. Then, put your cooked beef back in the pan. Sprinkle in all those lovely powders: garlic, onion, and mustard. Don’t forget the salt and pepper too. Give it all a good stir.

Step 3: Here comes the magic! Pour in your chicken broth. Then, add the dry pasta right into the liquid. Make sure all the pasta is covered by the broth. Now, bring it to a gentle simmer. Put a lid on the skillet and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it once or twice while it cooks. The pasta will soak up the broth and become tender. What does it mean when a recipe says to “simmer”? Share below!

Step 4: Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly gone, it’s ready! Dish it up while it’s nice and hot. The final touch is my favorite part. Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Then, add a little fresh, chopped parsley for a pop of color. It makes it look so pretty on the table. I love seeing everyone’s faces light up when I bring this to the table.

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner

Let’s Get Creative With Your Pasta!

This recipe is like a best friend. It’s always there for you, but you can also dress it up! I love to play with the flavors sometimes. It keeps things fun and exciting in the kitchen. My grandson loves when I add a little twist. Here are a few of my favorite ideas for you to try. They are all so simple and delicious.

Mushroom Swap: Try using chopped mushrooms instead of beef for a veggie version. They soak up the garlic butter so nicely.

A Little Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. It gives the pasta a warm, spicy feeling.

Garden Delight: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach right at the end. It wilts down and adds a lovely green color.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Plate

Now, let’s talk about serving our masterpiece. A great meal is about more than just the main dish. I always think about what goes alongside it. A simple, crisp green salad is my go-to side. It adds a fresh crunch that goes perfectly with the rich pasta. A slice of warm, crusty bread is also wonderful for soaking up any extra sauce. You can’t let that deliciousness go to waste!

What should we drink with it? For the grown-ups, a nice glass of red wine pairs beautifully. It complements the savory beef and garlic. For a fun treat for everyone, I love fizzy lemonade with a sprig of mint. It’s so refreshing. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Pasta Perfect for Later

Let’s talk about storing this lovely pasta. First, let it cool completely. Then, pop it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will be happy there for up to four days. You can also freeze it for a month. I use old yogurt tubs for freezing. They are the perfect size.

To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to a pan. Warm it slowly over medium heat. Stir it gently until it’s hot. This keeps the pasta from drying out. I learned this the hard way. My first batch turned into a sticky brick.

This matters because a good meal should last. Batch cooking saves you time on a busy night. It means a warm dinner is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Pasta Problems

Sometimes, our cooking needs a little help. If your pasta is too watery, just cook it a bit longer. Take the lid off the skillet. The extra liquid will steam away. I remember when my grandson said it was “pasta soup.” We all had a good laugh.

If the pasta is sticky, add more broth or water. A small splash will loosen it up. If you find the flavor a bit plain, add more salt. Taste as you cook. This builds your confidence in the kitchen.

Getting the flavor right matters. It turns a simple meal into something special. Fun fact: The mustard powder is my secret. It makes the beef taste richer and deeper. Solving small problems makes you a better cook. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Pasta Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. It works just the same.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely. Follow the storage tips above. It reheats beautifully.

Q: What can I use instead of beef?
A: Ground turkey is a great swap. The flavors will still be wonderful.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can, but use a very large pot. This gives the pasta room to cook.

Q: Is the parsley important?
A: It adds a fresh, pretty touch. But the dish is still tasty without it. Which tip will you try first?

Until Next Time, From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this cozy pasta dish. It always reminds me of cooking for my family. Nothing makes me happier than sharing these recipes with you.

I would be so thrilled to see your creation. Show me your beautiful dinner. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!
—Fiona Brooks.