Looking for the perfect balance between comforting and indulgent? This Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta delivers big flavor with simple ingredients, making it a must-try for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Juicy ground beef is sautéed with aromatic garlic and simmered with buttery, rich sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s a one-pan dish that satisfies every craving.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master this flavorful pasta dinner — from ingredients to variations, tips, and how to make it fit your diet.
📝 Introduction
Sometimes, the most memorable meals are the simplest. Garlic butter and beef are a match made in culinary heaven. This dish fuses the boldness of seasoned ground beef with the creamy richness of garlic-infused butter, creating a silky sauce that hugs pasta noodles like a warm blanket.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply indulging in a carb-lovers’ dream, this Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta checks every box: quick, affordable, and wildly delicious.
🛠️ Recommended Kitchen Tools
Here are the tools you’ll want to make the process seamless:
- Large skillet or sauté pan (preferably non-stick or stainless steel)
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Garlic press (or a sharp knife)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Cheese grater (for fresh Parmesan, optional)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Beef & Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80–85% lean)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
- ½ onion, finely diced (optional for depth of flavor)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- ¼ cup beef broth (or pasta water)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for creamy richness)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or rotini work well)
- Salt (for boiling water)
- Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
🍳 Preparation Instructions
Step 1: 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. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add the butter and minced garlic to the cleared side and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
Stir the garlic and butter into the beef. Add red pepper flakes (if using) and stir to combine.
Pour in beef broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Pasta & Finish
Add the drained pasta to the pan with the garlic butter beef mixture. Toss everything together until well coated.
Add Parmesan and stir until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or basil. Add extra Parmesan on top if desired.
🍽️ Tips for Success
- Use quality butter: The flavor of the butter matters. Choose unsalted, high-quality butter for the best taste.
- Don’t overcook garlic: Keep an eye on your garlic to avoid bitterness — golden, not brown.
- Deglaze the pan: A splash of pasta water or broth helps lift flavor from the bottom of the pan and binds everything together.
- Customize heat: Red pepper flakes add a gentle kick; adjust or omit based on preference.
🌀 Recipe Variations
Looking to make this dish your own? Here are some creative ways to customize it:
Add Vegetables
- Spinach or kale (stir in at the end until wilted)
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Roasted cherry tomatoes
- Zucchini or bell peppers
Make it Creamy
- Stir in ½ cup heavy cream after the garlic butter for a richer sauce.
- Use cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess.
Try Different Proteins
- Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Use steak strips for a more elevated version.
Cheese Lovers
- Add shredded mozzarella or provolone for a meltier dish.
- Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet touch.
🥗 Make It Fit Your Diet
This recipe is adaptable to a variety of dietary needs:
Low-Carb/Keto:
- Replace pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles.
- Skip Parmesan or use a keto-friendly cheese.
Gluten-Free:
- Use certified gluten-free pasta or chickpea/lentil-based alternatives.
Dairy-Free:
- Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
- Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
📦 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Add a splash of water or broth and reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One-pan meal – Easy cleanup!
- ✅ Quick & comforting – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- ✅ Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and ground beef.
- ✅ Customizable – Easily adjust to taste and dietary preferences.
- ✅ Family favorite – Even picky eaters love it.
