Description
This hearty Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a delicious one-pot meal combining savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and Italian seasoning with tender pasta cooked in flavorful beef broth. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese and optional cream for richness, this dish is perfect for a quick, comforting dinner that can be customized with fresh herbs or a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
Garnishes and Optional Additions
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasoning: Add the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning to the cooked beef. Sauté together for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the seasoning is well combined with the beef.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Stir well to combine and ensure that the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 to 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 until melted. For a richer, creamier texture, add the heavy cream or milk and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to your liking and stir well to incorporate.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for color and freshness. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal immediately.
Notes
- For dairy-free versions, use plant-based butter and substitute Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative, or omit cheese.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant diets.
- Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be used as alternatives to ground beef.
- To add more vegetables, consider tossing in spinach or mushrooms during the pasta cooking step.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels to your preference for milder or bolder flavors.
