If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare, Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect recipe for you! This one-pot dish combines savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and rich butter, all mixed into your favorite pasta for a truly mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re making dinner for yourself or cooking for the whole family, this recipe is sure to become a regular on your menu. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is trending because it offers the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. This dish brings together classic comfort food flavors that everyone loves, all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. What’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
- One-Pot Wonder: All the ingredients cook together in a single pot, saving you time on cleanup.
- Creamy and Delicious: The garlic butter sauce and Parmesan cheese create a rich and creamy coating for the pasta, while the ground beef adds hearty protein.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences—add veggies, change the type of pasta, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
Ingredients Needed
To make this delicious Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, here’s what you’ll need:
- 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 or spaghetti works well)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Beef Alternative: If you’re not a fan of beef, you can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Ground 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. - Sauté Garlic and Seasoning:
Add the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning to the pot with the cooked beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. - Add Broth and Pasta:
Pour in the beef broth, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. - Stir in Cheese and Cream (Optional):
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. For a creamier texture, add heavy cream or milk at this point. Stir until everything is smooth and creamy. - Season to Taste:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. - Serve and Garnish:
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil, if desired.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to kick up the heat.
- Add Vegetables: You can toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a healthy twist.
- Change the Meat: Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Creamier Sauce: For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of regular milk.

How to Store & Reheat
- Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Reheating:
To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen it up and achieve the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! You can use any pasta you prefer—penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or rigatoni all work well.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving.
3. Can I make this recipe without cream?
Absolutely! You can skip the cream or replace it with milk for a lighter version, or leave it out altogether for a less creamy but still flavorful dish.
4. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use plant-based ground meat or mushrooms as a substitute for the ground beef to make this dish vegetarian.
Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love. It’s simple, creamy, and so satisfying—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your version of the recipe with us, and be sure to follow for more delicious recipes like this one.
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Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Looking for a comforting, creamy pasta dish? This Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a one-pot meal that combines savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and rich butter. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, flavorful, or just a hassle-free dinner, this recipe has it all!
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
-
Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
-
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Ingredient Substitutes:
-
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: You can 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. -
Sauté Garlic and Seasoning:
Add the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning to the beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. -
Add Broth and Pasta:
Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked pasta. Stir to combine and ensure the pasta is submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally. -
Add Cheese and Cream (Optional):
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. For a creamier texture, add the heavy cream or milk and stir until smooth. -
Season to Taste:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, if desired.
-
Serve:
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Enjoy!
Notes
Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or fresh chili for extra heat.
Add veggies: Try tossing in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
Make ahead: This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg