There’s just something magical about a weeknight pasta dish that’s quick to throw together yet tastes like it belongs on a restaurant menu. This Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is one of those meals you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s rich, garlicky, comforting, and perfectly balanced with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a buttery garlic sauce that clings to every bite.

I first made this recipe on a night when I had limited ingredients in the fridge—just some ground beef, a box of pasta, and a handful of pantry staples. The results were so delicious that my family now asks for it weekly. It’s become a staple in our home because it hits all the right notes: hearty, flavorful, and unbelievably easy.

What I love most is that it doesn’t require fancy ingredients. No cream or complicated sauces—just butter, garlic, pasta, and beef with a few seasonings. The butter melts into the beef, the garlic perfumes the whole kitchen, and the pasta absorbs all that goodness. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even meal prepping ahead of time.

So grab a skillet and some pasta—this is about to be your new go-to dinner.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.

• Family favorite: Kids and adults both love the savory garlic-butter flavor.

• Budget-friendly: Made with affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.

• Versatile: Great as-is, or you can add vegetables, cheese, or herbs to suit your taste.

• Meal prep friendly: Stores well for reheating, making it a perfect make-ahead option.

Ingredient Notes & Details

• Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work well. Short pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully, but you can use any type you love.

• Ground beef: Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) works best—less grease, more flavor. You can also swap in ground turkey or chicken.

• Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal so you can control the salt levels, but salted works fine too.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves make all the difference. Slice thin for a mellow flavor or mince for a stronger garlic punch.

• Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and depth—grate it fresh for the best flavor.

• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for optional heat.

• Fresh parsley: Optional garnish, but it brightens the dish with freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

   

2. Brown the beef
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Add garlic and butter
   Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the beef, followed by minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring often to avoid burning.

   

4. Season the mixture
   Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well so the flavors coat the beef evenly.

5. Toss with pasta
   Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.

6. Finish with cheese and garnish
   Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

FAQ

Can I use another protein instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage make delicious substitutes.

What pasta shape works best?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal because they hold onto the buttery garlic sauce, but spaghetti works just as well.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This pasta reheats well, making it a great meal prep option for busy weeks.

What can I add to make it healthier?
You can toss in spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

How do I keep pasta from drying out when reheating?
Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to revive the sauce and keep it creamy.

Can I make it spicy?
Yes—add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to kick up the heat.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, or reheat in the microwave until hot.

Variations

• Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.

• Cheesy Garlic Beef Pasta: Add shredded mozzarella or provolone for an extra cheesy twist.

• Garlic Butter Beef & Veggie Pasta: Toss in roasted bell peppers, spinach, or peas for added color and nutrients.

• Herb Lovers’ Version: Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme along with the parsley for a more herbaceous flavor.

• Low-carb version: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

This Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is a quick and comforting dinner idea that’s full of flavor! Tender ground beef is cooked with garlic and tossed with pasta in a rich, buttery sauce, then finished with Parmesan and fresh herbs. It’s hearty, simple to make, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes!

No ratings yet

 Print  Pin  Rate

Prep Time: 15minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz 340 g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
• 1 lb 450 g ground beef
  
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
• 1 cup 240 ml beef broth
  
• ½ cup 120 ml heavy cream
• ½ cup 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Get Ingredients

Instructions

• Cook the Pasta
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  

  

• Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup pasta water.
• Brown the Beef
• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter.
• Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
• Drain excess grease if needed. Remove beef and set aside.
• Make Garlic Butter Base
• In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter.
• Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Build the Sauce
• Pour in beef broth and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
• Return the cooked beef to the skillet and mix well.
• Combine with Pasta
• Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
• If needed, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Finish & Serve
• Stir in fresh parsley.
• Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.
  

• Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley before serving.