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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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