Description
This Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dinner recipe that combines savory ground beef, garlic, and Italian seasoning with tender pasta cooked right in beef broth. Finished with rich Parmesan cheese and optional cream, it’s a creamy, comforting one-pot meal perfect for quick weeknights.
Ingredients
Main 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
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and skip the Parmesan or substitute with dairy-free cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
- 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 reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasoning: Add the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning to the cooked beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Stir well to combine and make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Cream (Optional): Once the pasta is cooked through, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. For a richer and creamier texture, add the heavy cream or milk and stir until combined and smooth.
- Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and freshly cracked black pepper as desired. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the beef and garlic butter pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil, if desired. Enjoy your comforting and delicious meal!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and skip or replace Parmesan with dairy-free cheese.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten intolerances.
- You can swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for different flavors.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add fresh herbs at the end for the best flavor and presentation.
