Some evenings, the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes or a complicated recipe. That’s exactly when this one pot beef and butter pasta steps up. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet it comes together fast enough to keep up with your hectic schedule.

I remember the first time I made this — I was juggling a few things at once, and honestly, I may have let the butter melt a little too long before stirring it in. That moment of hesitation, the kitchen smelling like garlic and sizzling beef, was oddly comforting. The creamy sauce clinging to the pasta made me pause and just savor the simplicity rather than rush through it. It’s the kind of meal you don’t need to overthink, just enjoy. And yes, I probably ate it straight from the pot because who wants extra dishes?

All cooked in one pot — less time washing up, more time eating.
Comforting, creamy, and hearty, without needing hours in the kitchen.
The butter gives it richness, but it’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
Ground beef and pasta make it filling enough for a family dinner or a solo treat.
Flavors that feel thoughtfully layered despite the quick prep.

If you’re nervous about timing or getting the pasta just right, don’t be. The recipe is forgiving — a little more broth or a pinch more seasoning can always be adjusted at the end. It’s casual cooking, not a science experiment.

One Pot Beef and Butter Pasta

Print Recipe

A hearty and creamy one pot beef and butter pasta that’s quick to make and packed with rich flavors. Ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic, then simmered with pasta and butter to create a comforting meal with minimal cleanup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces dried pasta (penne or rotini)
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Add the dried pasta, beef broth, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

In the kitchen, you really only need one large pot, so it’s perfect if you’re short on gear or just want to keep things simple. I like serving it with a crisp green salad or even some roasted veggies on the side when I’m feeling a bit fancy. If you want to mix it up, tossing in some crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, or swapping in rotini instead of penne changes the texture just enough to keep it interesting. Sometimes, I’ll throw in a handful of frozen peas near the end for a splash of color and sweetness — it’s not traditional, but hey, it works.

FAQ

Can I use a different kind of pasta? Absolutely. Penne or rotini are great but any short pasta should work fine.

What if I don’t have beef broth? You can substitute with chicken broth or even water, though the flavor will be milder.

Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best fresh, but leftovers keep well refrigerated for a couple of days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to bring back the creamy texture.

When you want a comforting dinner that doesn’t require a dozen pots and pans, this one pot beef and butter pasta is your go-to. Give it a try next time you need something cozy but quick — you might just find yourself reaching for the butter a little longer than planned, too.