If you’re craving comfort food but need something quick and satisfying, this Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is your answer. Juicy ground beef meets tender pasta, all tossed in a buttery garlic sauce with savory Parmesan — a simple dinner that’s big on flavor and low on fuss.
It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty that doesn’t require a mountain of dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Fast & Flavorful: Ready in 30 minutes with just one skillet and one pot.
• Garlic Butter Magic: The combo of garlic and melted butter brings comforting depth to the dish.
• Customizable Classic: Swap in your favorite pasta shape or even ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Crowd Pleaser: Cheesy, saucy, and full of savory beef — even picky eaters will clean their plates.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and cooked through — about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Garlic Butter Base Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the butter is melted and bubbling gently.
- Combine Everything Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and garlic butter. Pour in the beef broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Cheesy Finish Add the Parmesan cheese and toss everything together. Let it simmer on low heat for 2–3 more minutes until everything is hot and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Garnish and Serve Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley (if using) and serve immediately while hot. A slice of garlic bread or side salad makes the perfect companion.
Tips
- Pasta Options: Short pastas like fusilli, bowties, or rigatoni work well — anything that holds sauce.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red pepper flakes for a deeper flavor or a little heat.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream with the broth if you want a richer, creamier version.
- Cheese Upgrade: Try a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a gooier, more indulgent twist.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of broth to restore moisture.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
