The sizzle of beef hitting a hot pan, followed by that heavenly scent of garlic melting into golden butter. This beef and garlic butter pasta recipe transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort, and it’s no wonder families everywhere are making it their weeknight go-to.
Think tender ground beef swimming in rich garlic butter, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta until every strand is coated. Everything happens in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. The butter creates this silky sauce that clings to the noodles, while fresh garlic adds that aromatic punch we all crave.
Started perfecting this recipe back in 1987 when my Eleanor was just learning to cook. She’d stand on her little stool, watching me brown the beef and counting garlic cloves. The secret I taught her? Save some pasta water before drainingit helps bind everything together like magic. Still her family’s Sunday dinner favorite today.
PrintBeef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe: Easy and Irresistible
Enjoy a comforting and creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe that combines savory ground beef with aromatic garlic and rich butter. This one pot beef garlic butter pasta is perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner. Try this creamy beef garlic pasta recipe for an easy and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Italian
- Diet: Standard
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
- Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat then add ground beef and cook while breaking it up until fully browned about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove excess fat from the pot.
- Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and add uncooked pasta then stir everything to combine ensuring pasta is covered by liquid. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer, cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and add heavy cream or milk if desired, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and add red pepper flakes for a spicy touch if preferred.
- Serve hot garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Notes
- Make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or fresh chili
- Include vegetables like sautéed spinach mushrooms or bell peppers to boost flavor and nutrition
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat when ready to eat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dish
This beef and garlic butter pasta recipe embodies everything we love about home cookingsimplicity combined with soul-warming comfort. The ground beef becomes tender and flavorful, while butter and garlic create a golden, aromatic base that fills the kitchen with a heavenly scent.
- One-pot wonder: Everything cooks together, making cleanup practically effortless.
- Weeknight savior: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Family-tested: Rich enough for adults, yet mild enough for little ones.
The magic occurs when the pasta absorbs all those beautiful flavors while cooking alongside the beef. No need for a separate pot of boiling water or drainingit’s pure, cozy satisfaction in every bite.
Your Essential Ingredients and Tools
The charm of this recipe lies in its straightforwardness. You probably have most of the ingredients waiting in your pantry and refrigerator right now. Ground beef forms the hearty base, while butter and fresh garlic create that irresistible aromatic foundation.
Key players: The beef broth aids in cooking the pasta while adding depth, and Parmesan cheese brings that nutty richness we all crave. Heavy cream is optional but transforms this dish into an extra-luxurious treat whenever you’re feeling indulgent.
| Essential Tools | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Large pot or Dutch oven | Provides room for everything to cook together comfortably. |
| Wooden spoon | Perfect for breaking up beef without scratching the pot. |
| Sharp knife | Necessary for mincing garlic finely and evenly. |
How This One-Pot Magic Works
The secret to this one pot beef garlic butter pasta is layering flavors. Start by browning the ground beef in butterthis creates those delicious caramelized bits that add depth to the final dish.
- Brown the beef first: Don’t rush this step; those golden bits are pure flavor.
- Garlic timing matters: Add it after the beef to prevent burning and retain that sweet fragrance.
- Pasta cooks in the sauce: This absorbs all the wonderful flavors while creating natural creaminess.
When you add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot with beef broth, magic happens. The pasta releases starches while absorbing savory flavors, creating a naturally creamy sauce that clings to every piece.
Troubleshooting Your Perfect Bowl
Even the simplest recipes can have their challenges, and I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to ensure success every time. The most common concerns are pasta that’s too dry or sauce that’s too thin.
| Problem | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Pasta seems dry | Add beef broth or pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time. |
| Sauce too thin | Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes to reduce. |
| Garlic tastes bitter | Cook garlic gently, never allowing it to brown or burn. |
| Beef seems greasy | Drain excess fat before adding garlic. |
Pro tip: If your pasta finishes cooking but still looks soupy, remove the lid and let it simmer for a few extra minutes. The liquid will naturally reduce, giving you that perfect, clingy consistency.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your family’s tastes and whatever you have hiding in your refrigerator. The Italian seasoning can be swapped for fresh herbs, or try adding red pepper flakes if your family enjoys a little heat.
- Vegetable additions: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers work beautifully.
- Protein swaps: Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage can shine here.
- Cheese variations: Try mixing Parmesan with a handful of mozzarella for extra melty goodness.
For a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream, or skip the cream altogetherthe pasta’s natural starches create plenty of richness on their own.
Serving and Storage Wisdom
This creamy beef garlic pasta recipe is best served immediately while the butter is still glossy and the cheese melty. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness, making it feel special.
Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore that creamy texturethe pasta absorbs liquid as it sits, so this little trick brings it back to life.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3 days | Add splash of milk, heat gently. |
| Freezer | 2 months | Thaw overnight, reheat with extra liquid. |
Serving suggestion: A simple green salad and crusty bread perfectly complement this meal, though, honestly, this pasta is satisfying enough to stand beautifully on its own.
Expert Says
When preparing this beef and garlic butter pasta recipe, consider using a high-quality cut of beef for optimal tenderness. Cooking the beef at a high temperature briefly enhances its natural flavor through the Maillard reaction, giving your dish a savory depth that perfectly complements the rich garlic butter sauce.
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The Road to a Flavorful Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
This beef and garlic butter pasta recipe didn’t come together in a flash. I remember my first attemptovercooked noodles and a sauce that just didn’t blend. After several trials filled with laughter and lessons, I’ve finally discovered the perfect balance of savory richness that warms my heart and my family’s dinner table.
FAQs ( Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe )
What is the best type of beef for this recipe?
For a tender and flavorful dish, ground beef is your best choice. Look for a blend that’s around 80% lean and 20% fat; this ratio provides enough richness without being overly greasy. You can also use beef chuck if you prefer to cut and cook it yourself.
How can I make this dish creamy?
To achieve a creamy texture, incorporate heavy cream or cream cheese during cooking. Start by adding a splash of heavy cream to the pan just before serving, or stir in softened cream cheese until blended well. This will enhance the sauce and provide a rich finish.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
This entire meal can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With prep and cook time combined, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying dish ready in no time.
Can I use vegetarian options?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with alternatives like lentils or a plant-based ground meat. Just season them well and adjust the cooking time accordingly, as vegetarian options usually require less time to cook.
What pasta works best for this dish?
For this meal, long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine pairs beautifully. However, shorter options such as penne or fusilli also work well. Choose based on your texture preference; just ensure to cook them al dente for the best bite.
This beef and garlic butter pasta recipe delivers everything I promisedtender beef, silky butter sauce, and pasta that soaks up every drop of flavor in just 25 minutes. You’ll love how the kitchen fills with that familiar aroma of garlic and herbs, creating a comfort that wraps around your family like a warm hug on busy weeknights.
A little secret from my kitchen: save a cup of that starchy pasta water before drainingit’s pure gold for loosening the sauce if needed. Try stirring in fresh spinach during the last minute, or swap the Parmesan for sharp cheddar when that’s what calls from your refrigerator. Leftovers reheat beautifully with just a splash of milk to bring back that creamy richness.
I’d love to hear how this recipe finds its way into your family’s storydid it remind you of Sunday dinners at grandmother’s table? Share a photo when you make it, and don’t forget to save this recipe for evenings when only something truly comforting will do. There’s nothing quite like pasta made with love.
