Description

A rich, comforting one-pot meal packed with garlicky butter, creamy cheese, and hearty beef—all simmered together with pasta for the perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
2 tbsp butter (for that rich, garlicky sauce)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, diced
3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the beef:
In a large deep skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain most of the excess fat, but leave a little for extra flavor.
Chef’s tip: Season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper while cooking to layer flavor.

2️⃣ Sauté garlic and onion:
Add butter, minced garlic, and diced onion to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.

3️⃣ Add liquids and pasta:
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir well, then add the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
Pro tip: Stirring helps release starch and creates a thicker sauce.

4️⃣ Stir in cheese:
Once pasta is tender, remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

5️⃣ Garnish and serve:
Top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a full meal.

Notes

Choose the Right Pasta:
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best here—they hold the sauce beautifully and cook evenly in one pot.
Grate Your Own Parmesan:
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and tastes better.
Lighten It Up:
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4