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Garlic Butter Beef Pasta
Laura

Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

Creamy one-pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta with ground beef, rich garlic butter sauce, and Parmesan. Ready in 20 minutes for the perfect weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 687

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta broken in half
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic minced finely
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream full fat
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until nicely browned with crispy bits. Drain most fat but leave about 1 tablespoon.
  2. Create the garlic butter base by pushing beef to one side. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 90 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant and golden. Stir into beef.
  3. Add seasonings by sprinkling in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine with the beef and garlic mixture.
  4. Pour in beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add uncooked pasta directly to the skillet, making sure it's mostly submerged in liquid.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Add more broth if it looks dry.
  6. Once pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stir in heavy cream and remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Let it bubble for 2 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve immediately garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor
  • Break pasta in half for easier cooking in skillet
  • Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking
  • Keep heat at gentle simmer to avoid scorching
  • Add warm broth if sauce gets too thick before pasta is done
  • Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent clumping