Sometimes, the best meals come from the simplest ideas. This one pot beef and butter pasta combines ground beef, tender pasta, and butter in a way that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The magic happens all in one pot, which means less fuss and more time to relax.
The other night, I was juggling too many things and barely had time to think about dinner. I started browning the beef, the smell of garlic and onion filling the kitchen, and before I knew it, the pasta was cooking right in the same pot. I might have gotten distracted halfway through and forgot to stir for a minute or two—oops—but it still turned out creamy and delicious. The butter melting in at the end gave it that silky finish, and a sprinkle of Parmesan pulled it all together. It’s exactly the kind of meal that feels both effortless and satisfying, even when you’re a bit scattered.
- Ready in about 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners easier.
- One pot means fewer dishes, but you might have to keep an eye on the pasta so it doesn’t stick.
- Rich, comforting flavors from butter and beef come together seamlessly.
- Flexible enough to tweak with whatever herbs or cheeses you have on hand.
Don’t worry if you’re new to one pot meals or cooking pasta this way—it’s forgiving, and you can adjust seasoning as you go. Plus, leftovers reheat nicely and sometimes taste even better the next day.
PrintOne Pot Beef and Butter Pasta
A comforting and easy one pot meal featuring ground beef, tender pasta, and rich butter all cooked together for a creamy, flavorful dish with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
Add the uncooked penne pasta, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning to the pot.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the unsalted butter until melted and well combined.
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Using a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet helps keep everything from sticking and burning; it’s what I usually grab for this kind of recipe. When serving, a simple green salad or some steamed veggies balances out the richness. If you want to mix things up, I’ve tried swapping penne for rigatoni or even spiral pasta, and each brings a slightly different texture. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, but that’s just me. You could also stir in a handful of frozen peas or spinach at the end for some color and nutrition—though I haven’t tested all these variations extensively, so feel free to experiment.
FAQ
Can I use other types of ground meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken would work, although the flavor will be lighter. You might want to add a bit more seasoning.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
Water with a bouillon cube or even just salted water can work in a pinch, though the depth of flavor won’t be quite the same.
Is it okay to make this ahead?
Absolutely. It reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for a few days. Just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep it creamy.
Give this one pot beef and butter pasta a try next time you want something hearty but hassle-free. It’s a cozy dinner that’s easy to love.