Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef with fragrant garlic and a creamy Parmesan finish, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning to the cooked beef. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked pasta. Stir to combine and ensure the pasta is submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Step 4: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. For a creamier dish, add the heavy cream or milk and stir until smooth.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you’d like some heat.
6. Step 6: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Tips & Variations

• Try ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten intolerance.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based butter and skip or replace the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese.
• Add a splash of white wine when sautéing garlic for extra depth.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for long periods to keep texture intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or any pasta you prefer. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is it necessary to drain the fat after cooking the beef?

Draining excess fat helps reduce greasiness and improves the overall texture and flavor, but you can leave some if you prefer a richer taste.

Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that combines savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and tender pasta cooked in a rich broth. Finished with Parmesan cheese and optional cream for extra indulgence, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Dairy

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for extra creaminess)

Produce & Herbs

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Pantry

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 8 ounces pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Substitutions & Notes

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and skip the Parmesan or substitute with dairy-free cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free pasta.
• Beef Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for the beef.

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Instructions

1. Cook the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
2. Sauté Garlic and Seasoning: Add the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning to the cooked beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, infusing the beef with robust flavor.
3. Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
4. Add Cheese and Cream (Optional): Once the pasta is cooked through, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. For added creaminess, mix in the heavy cream or milk and stir until the sauce is smooth and rich.
5. Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed. For a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick.
6. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful meal!

Notes

• This dish can be made dairy-free or gluten-free with appropriate substitutions for butter, cheese, and pasta.
• You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage to vary the flavor profile.
• Make sure to stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom.
• Adding cream is optional but enhances the sauce texture and richness.
• Use fresh herbs at the end for bright flavor and appealing presentation.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: beef pasta, garlic butter pasta, one pot pasta, easy dinner, quick ground beef recipe