Creamy Beef and Garlic Pasta

This one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dinner with minimal cleanup. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and rich garlic butter sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

This pasta dish became my weeknight lifesaver last winter when I needed something substantial but didn't have the energy for elaborate cooking. My teenagers now specifically request this by name whenever they invite friends over for dinner.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Creates the perfect base for browning the beef and building flavor
• Ground beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor use 80/20 for best flavor balance
• Fresh garlic cloves: Add essential aromatic depth mince them just before cooking for maximum potency
• Beef broth: Forms the savory base of the sauce choose lowsodium for better seasoning control
• Milk: Creates creaminess without heaviness though heavy cream makes an indulgent variation
• Pasta: Shapes with ridges or curves like penne or rotini catch more sauce in every bite
• Italian seasoning: Adds herbal complexity with minimal effort look for blends with oregano thyme and basil
• Parmesan cheese: Brings salty umami and thickens the sauce freshly grated melts much better than prepackaged
• Butter: Especially when added at the end creates a silky luxurious finish to the sauce use unsalted for better control

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add ground beef breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes before stirring to develop some caramelization. Continue cooking for 34 more minutes until most pink is gone but not completely dried out.

Build the Aromatic Base:

Add minced garlic salt pepper and red pepper flakes if using to the browned beef. Stir constantly for exactly one minute allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not brown which would make it bitter. You should immediately notice the aromatic shift in your kitchen.

Create the Cooking Liquid:

Pour beef broth and milk into the pot stirring well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom these contain concentrated flavor. The liquid should quickly take on a light tan color as it incorporates the beef drippings.

Cook the Pasta:

Add dry pasta directly to the liquid making sure its mostly submerged. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over everything. Bring to a gentle simmer not a rolling boil which could cause the milk to separate. Cover and cook for 1215 minutes stirring every 34 minutes to prevent sticking. Test pasta for doneness by tasting a piece it should be tender but still have slight resistance.

Finish the Sauce:

Reduce heat to low once pasta is cooked. Add parmesan cheese and butter stirring gently but continuously until completely melted and incorporated. The sauce will visibly thicken and take on a glossy appearance. Let it rest uncovered for 2 minutes to further thicken before serving.

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The garlic butter finish is what truly elevates this dish from standard pasta to something special. I discovered this technique from my Italian grandmother who always said a little butter at the end creates what she called velluto the Italian word for velvet. The moment when the cold butter hits the hot pasta and slowly melts creating ribbons of richness throughout the dish is pure magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

This pasta keeps remarkably well for a creamy dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce as it sits becoming even more flavorful though slightly less saucy. When reheating add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess and stir frequently. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content which tends to separate when thawed.

Easy Variations

The basic recipe serves as an excellent canvas for customization. For a vegetable boost add 2 cups of baby spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking just enough time to wilt without losing color. Sautéed mushrooms add earthiness and umami stir them in with the garlic. For a Mediterranean twist add halved cherry tomatoes roasted red peppers and olives. Ground turkey can substitute for beef for a lighter option though you might want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil since turkey has less natural fat.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty pasta stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. For a more substantial meal roasted broccoli or asparagus adds color and nutrition. A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot complements the flavors perfectly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta is tender.

→ How can I make it extra creamy?

Swap milk for heavy cream to achieve a richer and creamier consistency.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding mushrooms or spinach before simmering, or sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top for enhanced flavor.

→ Can I make this with a lighter option?

Yes, substitute ground beef with ground turkey and use low-fat milk to make it a lighter dish.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to keep the pasta creamy.