Garlic Butter Beef Pasta (Print View)
Savory ground beef tossed with silky garlic butter, tender pasta, and Parmesan for a comforting meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
→ Meat
02 - 1 lb ground beef
→ Aromatics & Butter
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 5 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
→ Liquids & Seasoning
06 - 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
07 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Finish & Garnish
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
11 - Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
02 - Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until evenly browned and no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Transfer the beef to a plate and drain any excess fat from the skillet.
03 - Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 2 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden.
04 - Return the browned beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Let the sauce reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
05 - Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet. Toss vigorously to coat every strand in the garlic butter sauce. If the mixture appears too dry, gradually stir in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until a silky, glossy consistency is achieved.
06 - Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly. Serve immediately on warmed plates, accompanied by extra Parmesan and lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The garlic butter sauce clings to every single strand of pasta without needing cream or heavy ingredients.
- Ground beef makes it hearty enough to stand alone as a full meal with no side dishes required.
- Cleanup is just one pot and one skillet, which is a blessing on busy evenings.
02 -
- Do not drain every drop of fat from the beef, because a little left in the pan carries flavor into the garlic butter and makes the sauce taste deeper.
- Adding the Parmesan while the skillet is still on direct heat can cause it to separate and turn oily, so always pull the pan off first.
03 -
- Toast the garlic just until fragrant and no more, because burned garlic turns bitter and will ruin the entire pot in seconds.
- Tossing the pasta in the sauce for a full minute over low heat before serving helps the noodles absorb the flavor rather than just wearing it on the surface.