If you’re craving a meal that’s cozy, indulgent, and quick to pull together, Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is your go-to. This hearty, one-pan dish combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, garlicky butter, and rich seasoning for total comfort in under 30 minutes.
Why It Works
Think of a rich, buttery garlic sauce that clings to every strand of warm pasta, interspersed with juicy, well-seasoned ground beef—pure satisfaction in every forkful. Whether it’s a family dinner, a weeknight meal, or a cozy night in with minimal clean-up, this dish delivers warmth, flavor, and ease.
Why You’ll Love It
- One-pan or one-pot simplicity means effortless prep and cleanup
- Garlic butter sauce adds depth—flavor that’s both rich and aromatic
- Meaty, pasta-filled, satisfying—perfect for filling up hungry appetites
- Versatile—easy to customize with veggies, different cheeses, or alternate herbs
- Great for meal prep or leftovers—reheating only makes it better
Ingredients (Serves ~6)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, shells—choose your favorite)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended for juiciness)
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth for subtle variation)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente per package directions. Drain, toss with a small drizzle of olive oil (optional), and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or high-sided pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, then drain off excess fat.
3. Melt in the Garlic Butter
Push the beef to one side, add the butter, and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic—cook just until fragrant (about 1 minute), being careful not to burn.
4. Create the Flavor Base
Stir the beef and garlic butter together, then add beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan. Toss it well to coat every piece in the rich, buttery sauce.
6. Finish with Cheese
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until it melts and creates a creamy consistency. Simmer for another minute or two, then remove from heat.
7. Serve and Garnish
Dish it out right away. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for brightness, and add more Parmesan if desired.
Additional Flavor Waves
In a version at 12 Tomatoes, heavy cream is added alongside broth for extra silkiness. That version also uses onion and garlic powders, offering layered depth and body. The result has a creamy, garlic-forward flavor rather than tasting strictly like stroganoff.
Meanwhile, Umami’s one-pot method combines ground beef, garlic, onion, broth, cream, and cheese—yielding about 450 kcal per serving.
Another popular home version clocks in around 591 kcal per serving, delivering rich, saucy pasta with bold seasoning.
Chef’s Tips
- Balance the richness: Use parsley, lemon zest, or crushed red pepper for brightness or heat
- Flex your cheese: Swap Parmesan for pecorino or add mozzarella for extra creaminess
- Veggie boosters: Spinach, peas, mushrooms, or roasted veggies fold in easily
- Let the pasta absorb flavor: Stir so each bite is fully sauced and savory
Storage Tips
- Leftovers keep well for 3–4 days in an airtight container in the fridge
- Reheat gently on the stove; add a splash of broth to revive creaminess
- Freezes decently for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight before reheating
Final Thoughts
When you want to ditch the stress and still dine like it’s a cozy Italian trattoria, Garlic Butter Beef Pasta delivers. It strikes that balance between comfort and elegance, with buttery sauce, savory beef, and nostalgic coziness—all without fuss.
Whether it’s year-round dinner bliss or your new go-to meal for busy nights, this dish tastes like warmth, simplicity, and satisfaction—times a hundred.
Garlic Butter Beef Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, shells—choose your favorite
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended for juiciness
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth or chicken broth for subtle variation
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente per package directions. Drain, toss with a small drizzle of olive oil (optional), and set aside.
Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet or high-sided pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, then drain off excess fat.
Melt in the Garlic Butter
- Push the beef to one side, add the butter, and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic—cook just until fragrant (about 1 minute), being careful not to burn.
Create the Flavor Base
- Stir the beef and garlic butter together, then add beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Combine with Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan. Toss it well to coat every piece in the rich, buttery sauce.
Finish with Cheese
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until it melts and creates a creamy consistency. Simmer for another minute or two, then remove from heat.
Serve and Garnish
- Dish it out right away. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for brightness, and add more Parmesan if desired.
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