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Garlic Butter Pasta with Ground Beef

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This creamy garlic butter pasta with ground beef is a quick, comforting dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Savory ground beef, silky pasta, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce make this a family favorite for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried basil/oregano mix)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with salted water (about 1 tbsp salt per 4 quarts) and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the beef and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add butter and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir until butter is melted and herbs are mixed in.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as desired.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add more pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, if the sauce is too thick. Cook for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For best results, use fresh garlic and reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. If the sauce splits, whisk in a little cold cream. To make gluten-free, use GF pasta. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter, cream, and cheese. Add veggies like spinach or peas for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter pasta, ground beef pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, 30 minute meal, family dinner, pasta recipe, beef pasta

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/garlic-butter-pasta-with-ground-beef-easy-creamy-dinner-in-30-minutes/