Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

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Rich, savory, and bursting with flavor, Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Imagine tender strands of pasta coated in garlicky, buttery goodness, tossed with juicy seasoned ground beef and caramelized onions, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table.

This dish is a weeknight hero — quick to make, yet satisfying enough to feel like a treat. It combines simple pantry staples with bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping leftovers for the week, this Garlic Butter Beef Pasta delivers on all fronts.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

• It’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• The rich garlic butter sauce adds deep flavor with minimal ingredients.
• One skillet means easy cleanup.
• A great way to use ground beef in a new and exciting way.
• Versatile — add mushrooms, spinach, or a sprinkle of Parmesan to mix things up.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Garlic Butter Beef Pasta, you’ll need the following essential tools:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Crucial for browning the beef evenly and combining everything without crowding.
• Large Pot: Used to boil the pasta until al dente — make sure it’s roomy to prevent sticking.
• Colander: For draining the pasta quickly while preserving a bit of the pasta water (which helps thicken the sauce).
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps break the beef into small crumbles while cooking.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs.

Each tool plays an important role in ensuring smooth preparation, from even cooking to efficient cleanup.

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Preparation Tips

Start by bringing your pasta water to a boil before you begin cooking the beef — this saves time and ensures everything comes together seamlessly. While the pasta cooks, brown the beef and let it develop a bit of caramelization for extra flavor. Use real butter for the sauce — it gives the dish richness and helps carry the garlic flavor. Don’t rush the garlic; let it gently cook in the butter without burning. Before draining the pasta, reserve a half-cup of the starchy water — it’s a secret weapon for creating a silky, clinging sauce. Finally, toss everything together in the skillet so the flavors blend beautifully and coat every strand of pasta.

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Ingredients for this Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking beef)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping

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Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the sliced onions and cook for 10-12 minutes until they become soft, golden, and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

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Step 4: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

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Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, return the cooked beef to the pan and mix well with the onion-garlic mixture. Pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring to create a glossy sauce that brings everything together.

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Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well-coated and the beef is evenly distributed. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes so the flavors can meld.

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Step 7: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan before serving. Serve hot straight from the pan.

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Notes

This Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is a flexible, satisfying dish that can be tailored to your preferences. If you prefer a creamier version, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a bit of grated cheese at the end. To make it a bit lighter, swap out half the pasta with spiralized zucchini or use leaner beef. For a touch of acidity and balance, a squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of sun-dried tomato paste works wonderfully. Make it your own!

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Pasta: Always cook pasta to al dente. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and doesn’t hold the sauce well.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns fast, so cook it gently over medium heat for a rich flavor, not bitterness.
• Skipping the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is crucial for emulsifying the sauce and helping it cling to the noodles.
• Crowding the Pan: When browning beef, crowding the pan can steam the meat instead of giving it a nice sear.
• Not Seasoning in Layers: Season the beef, the onions, and finally the combined dish. Layering the seasoning ensures depth of flavor.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet or microwave-safe dish to loosen the sauce. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of the butter-based sauce and pasta, which can become grainy and mushy after thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or within a couple of days.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 generous cup
• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Cholesterol: 75mg

(Values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you like. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only slightly, due to the red pepper flakes. You can omit them for a milder dish or increase for more heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Just store it properly and add a little liquid when reheating to revive the sauce.

What vegetables can I add to this?

Mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini make great additions. Sauté them with the onions.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?

Toss it with a bit of olive oil after draining if you’re not combining it immediately with the sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the beef and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Does this recipe freeze well?

Not ideally. The butter-based sauce doesn’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. Fresh is best.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is the kind of dish that turns simple pantry staples into something genuinely delicious. With its bold flavors, satisfying texture, and comforting richness, it’s sure to become a weeknight regular. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this pasta delivers every time — no fuss, all flavor.

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