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Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe

4.5 from 148 reviews

This one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is cooked with garlic and seasonings before simmering in a rich broth and milk sauce with pasta. Finished with parmesan cheese and butter, this dish is creamy, flavorful, and easy to make using just one pot for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids

  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)

Pasta and Cheese

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Finishers and Garnish

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and cook beef: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Cook garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Add liquids: Pour in the beef broth and milk (or heavy cream). Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Add pasta and seasoning: Add the pasta and Italian seasoning to the pot, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
  5. Simmer until pasta is tender: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  6. Finish with cheese and butter: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and butter until melted and the sauce is creamy.
  7. Adjust seasoning and consistency: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
  8. Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional; omit if you prefer no heat.
  • Use your preferred pasta shape but ensure it cooks well within the liquid.
  • Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking or scorching.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy beef pasta, garlic butter pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food