Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe

This Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe is pure comfort food bliss: tender pasta wrapped in a velvety blanket of garlicky butter sauce, studded with juicy ground beef and a shower of Parmesan. Each forkful carries bold, savory flavors, a hint of Italian herbs, and that unmistakable richness you get from just the right amount of butter and cream. Whether you’re cooking for a hectic weeknight or cozy weekend dinner, this dish always delivers; it’s hearty, family-approved, and leaves everyone reaching for seconds. You’re just a handful of simple ingredients and steps away from pasta happiness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe so special is its wonderfully simple ingredient list. Each component brings something essential, whether it’s those big beefy bites, golden garlic flavor, or the irresistible creaminess from butter and cheese. Here’s exactly what you’ll need (and how to really make each piece shine).

• Ground beef: Use 80/20 or 85/15 for the juiciest flavor-packed results; you can sub with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you’d like.
• Butter: Real butter creates the signature luxurious texture; if you’re dairy-free, plant-based butter works well too.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the whole dish with that classic, irresistible aroma and depth.
• Dried Italian seasoning: An easy way to add a bouquet of Italian herbs without fuss—extra oregano or basil works in a pinch.
• Beef broth: This deglazes the pan and gives the sauce its wonderfully savory backbone; low-sodium broth lets you control the seasoning.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parm melts in for a salty, nutty pop; for dairy-free, sub with your favorite non-dairy cheese.
• Pasta: Penne, spaghetti, or whatever you love best—regular, gluten-free, or even lentil-based pastas all suit this recipe.
• Heavy cream or milk (optional): Stirred in at the end for extra creaminess—totally optional, but it does add another luscious layer.
• Salt and pepper: Season generously to balance all the rich flavors.
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional): A sprinkle of green to finish—it adds color and garden-fresh flair.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone who likes a gentle kick of heat, they’re just right at the table.

How to Make Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef in Butter

Start by placing a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt until it sizzles gently. Immediately add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step is crucial: let the beef cook undisturbed for a minute or two at first to build flavor, then continue breaking it apart and browning for about 5 to 7 minutes until there’s no pink left. Drain off any excess fat—you want just enough for richness, not greasiness.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Herbs

With the beef browned, stir in the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning. Sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes, watching as the kitchen fills with an incredible aroma! The garlic should turn just golden and fragrant, mingling with the beef and herbs to form the flavor base of your Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe.

Step 3: Add Broth and Pasta

Pour the beef broth directly into the pot, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Add your uncooked pasta and stir to coat everything evenly. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged—add a splash more broth or water if needed. Bring the whole pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking, and watch as the pasta absorbs all that incredible beefy, garlicky broth!

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Cream (Optional)

Once the pasta is perfectly al dente and most of the liquid has disappeared, it’s time for the magic touch: stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a glossy sauce. For an extra luxurious finish, add the heavy cream or milk and stir just until everything is creamy and smooth. This gives the dish its signature rich and silky texture—it’s pure comfort in a bowl.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Taste your Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe and fine-tune the seasoning. Add a generous pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper—taste as you go for balance. Want a hint of heat? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes until your tastebuds are singing.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot pasta into bowls and finish with an extra handful of Parmesan, plus a flurry of fresh parsley or basil. The final dish looks as wonderful as it tastes: comforting, aromatic, and full of rustic Italian charm. Dig in while it’s still steaming!

How to Serve Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish transforms your pasta from homestyle to restaurant-worthy. A generous dusting of extra Parmesan cheese brings those cheesy vibes front and center, while a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a vibrant burst of color and freshness. For a little zing, crack on some black pepper or scatter a pinch of red pepper flakes right before serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe loves the company of simple, classic sides. Think warm crusty garlic bread ready for dipping into the extra sauce, or a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies also make a lovely, wholesome pairing and add even more color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting guests or just feeling fancy, serve your pasta in a big family-style bowl for sharing, or twirl it into individual nests for a dinner-party look. For something different, bake the leftovers with a little extra cheese on top till bubbly, or pile it into small ramekins for fun single-serve portions that everyone can dig into!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Transfer any extras into an airtight container and stash it away for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next day lunch or dinner even more satisfying!

Freezing

Want to stash some away for a busier day? Let the pasta cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to two months. When ready to serve, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of broth, milk, or water to loosen the sauce as it warms. You can also microwave smaller portions, again adding a bit of liquid to keep the texture creamy, not dry.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! While beef adds classic flavor, feel free to swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even mild or spicy sausage. Each option brings its own personality to the Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe, so choose your favorite or whatever’s on hand.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Easily! Just use a high-quality gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged and you’ll still get that signature creamy, garlicky goodness.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

You really can’t go wrong: penne scoops up the sauce, spaghetti twirls up beautifully, and shapes like fusilli or rigatoni hold onto flavor pockets. Use what you love or have in the pantry—the Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe welcomes variety!

How can I make this dairy-free?

It’s easy to adapt. Just use your favorite plant-based butter and a good vegan cheese substitute for the Parmesan. Skip the cream or use a dairy-free alternative, and you’ll still enjoy an ultra-satisfying pasta dinner.

Can I prepare this ahead for a dinner party?

Definitely! You can make the whole dish a few hours ahead of time, then gently reheat just before serving with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. It’s a surefire make-ahead option that keeps entertaining stress-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about a recipe that brings people together around the table, and this Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe is exactly that. It’s the kind of meal that comforts, satisfies, and impresses, whether you whip it up on a busy weeknight or share it with friends. Give it a go and discover why it’s destined to become your family’s new favorite!

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