HomeGarlic Butter Beef Pasta
Garlic Butter Beef Pasta
If you’re craving a restaurant-worthy pasta dish that’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with tender beef—but don’t want to spend all night cooking—this Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is your answer.
Juicy ground beef simmers in a luscious garlic-butter sauce kissed with a splash of cream and fresh herbs, then tossed with al dente pasta for a one-pan wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is simple enough for a Tuesday night—and always gets asked for again.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
🥩 Ground beef + garlic butter = deep, savory satisfaction
🧈 Creamy, glossy sauce with no heavy cream needed
⏱️ 25 minutes start-to-finish—faster than takeout
🥣 One skillet, minimal cleanup
🌿 Easily customizable—add mushrooms, spinach, or heat!
Perfect for busy weeknights, date night at home, or when you need comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4)
8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup beef broth (or water)
2 tbsp butter
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 cup baby spinach, or sliced mushrooms
💡 Pro Tips:
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining—it helps emulsify the sauce.
Don’t overcrowd the beef—brown in batches for better flavor.
Use freshly minced garlic—no powders!
Step-by-Step Instructions (Fast, Flavorful, Foolproof)
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta in well-salted water until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef; cook until browned and no longer pink (5–6 mins). Drain excess fat if needed.
Push beef to the side. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Add butter and beef broth to the skillet. Stir to melt butter and scrape up any browned bits.
Simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Combine & Finish
Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat.
Add pasta water, 1–2 tbsp at a time, until sauce clings to noodles.
Stir in parsley (and spinach or Parmesan, if using).
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve Immediately
Garnish with extra parsley, Parmesan, and a crack of black pepper.
Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Serving & Storage Tips
Best served fresh—sauce thickens as it cools.
Leftovers: Keep in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.
Make it creamy: Stir in 2 tbsp cream or cream cheese at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes! Add 1 tbsp olive oil to keep it moist.
Q: My sauce is too thin—what do I do?
A: Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce, or add a little Parmesan to thicken.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes—use GF pasta and check broth labels.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini with the garlic.
A Bowl Full of Comfort
This Garlic Butter Beef Pasta isn’t just dinner—it’s a quick escape to flavor town. Rich without being heavy, fast without sacrificing depth, it’s proof that great meals don’t need 20 ingredients—just good ones, used well.
So grab that ground beef, mince that garlic, and let your skillet sizzle. Because sometimes, the best nights end with a fork twirling in buttery, garlicky bliss.
Do you add mushrooms, wine, or keep it classic?
Share your twist in the comments! And if this recipe just saved your weeknight dinner, pass it on to a fellow home cook who believes in the power of garlic, butter, and pasta. 🧄🍝✨
Advertisement
