30-Minute Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe – Your New Go-To Comfort Food!

Craving something hearty, delicious, and ready in just 30 minutes? This Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is exactly what you need! The rich, savory garlic butter sauce coats every strand of pasta while tender beef adds satisfying protein to create the ultimate comfort food that’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and easy: On the table in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
• Rich flavor: The combination of garlic butter and savory beef creates an irresistible depth of flavor.
• One-pot option: Can be made with minimal cleanup.
• Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will devour.
• Versatile: Easy to customize with vegetables or different protein options.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, accessible ingredients that won’t break the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work best)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 cloves garlic, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced

How to Make Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Brown the beef: While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using.
4. Combine the sauce: Pour in beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Add the pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish the dish: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Helpful Tips:

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente as it will continue cooking slightly when added to the hot sauce.
• Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
• Fresh garlic is best: Pre-minced garlic won’t deliver the same flavor impact as freshly minced.
• Butter quality matters: Use good quality butter for the richest flavor.
• Brown the beef properly: Allow the beef to develop a good sear before breaking it up for maximum flavor.
• Add vegetables: For a more balanced meal, toss in some cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms when you add the beef back to the pan.

Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 650 calories per serving
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Notes:

• For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for beef and half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• This recipe works well with any pasta shape, though long pasta like fettuccine allows the sauce to cling better.
• The dish is best served immediately but can be stored for leftovers (see storage instructions below).
• For a gluten-free option, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this with a different type of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken work well as alternatives.

How do I make this dish spicier? Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Substitute the beef with mushrooms (about 16 oz) for a meaty texture without the meat. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What can I use instead of heavy cream? Half-and-half or evaporated milk can work as substitutes, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened coconut cream is a good alternative.

Can I make this ahead of time? The sauce and beef can be prepared ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to help loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Related Recipes:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• One-Pot Italian Sausage Pasta

Conclusion:

This 30-Minute Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe is the definition of comfort food made easy. With its rich, buttery garlic sauce and hearty beef, it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or want impressive leftovers for lunch, this pasta delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Give it a try tonight, and watch it become your new go-to comfort food!

Did you make this Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta? We’d love to see your creation! Tag us on social media or leave a comment below with your thoughts and any modifications you made.

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