If you are looking for a dish that hits all the right savory notes and comes together in under 30 minutes, our Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe combines tender spaghetti coated in luscious garlic butter and Parmesan cheese with hearty, seasoned ground beef for a mouthwatering meal that feels both comforting and indulgent. Quick to prepare yet packed with layers of flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave something special but fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a symphony of flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a unique role in building this satisfying dish from scratch.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The sturdy base that absorbs all those rich sauces and flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps brown the beef to perfection.
- 1 lb ground beef: Brings hearty savoriness and protein that pairs wonderfully with pasta.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates that creamy, silky base for the garlic and Parmesan sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers pungent, aromatic depth that makes this dish truly irresistible.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle spicy kick if you want to add some heat.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the dish a nutty, salty richness that elevates every bite.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all flavors.
- Additional grated Parmesan for topping: Optional but highly recommended for an extra cheesy finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start with cooking your spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the noodles are tender yet firm to the bite. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid is magic when it comes to marrying the sauce and spaghetti for a silky texture.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s beautifully browned and any moisture has evaporated. Season the beef with salt and pepper while it cooks, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This step builds a rich, meaty foundation for your dish.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt your unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and, if you like a touch of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Cook just long enough for the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden—about 1 to 2 minutes—being careful not to burn it. This forms the luscious sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Beef with Sauce
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir it into the garlic butter mixture, making sure each morsel is well coated with that buttery garlic goodness. This infuses the beef with flavor and prepares it to join the pasta in the next steps.
Step 5: Toss Spaghetti with Sauce and Parmesan
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything thoroughly so that the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce, and the beef is dispersed throughout.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley. The parsley adds a fresh herbal brightness that balances the richness perfectly and gives the dish delightful color contrast.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Serve your Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef Recipe piping hot. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired for that extra indulgent touch.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make a big difference. Besides extra Parmesan and parsley, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few chili flakes can add complexity and visual appeal. For a burst of freshness, lemon zest also pairs wonderfully with the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but serving it alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables will create a well-rounded meal. Something light and crisp contrasts the creamy pasta perfectly and keeps the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, consider plating the pasta in shallow bowls and swirling with a fork for a rustic look. You can also serve it family-style in a large skillet right on the table to encourage sharing and conversation. Fresh herbs or edible flowers sprinkled on top add a beautiful, gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely first, then place portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To keep the texture intact, consider freezing the beef and pasta separately if possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through. Fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan freshen it up nicely after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, feel free to swap in fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. The sauce is versatile enough to complement many pasta shapes.
Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, but freshly grated cheese always delivers a richer, creamier flavor and melts better in the sauce. For best results, grate your own from a good quality block.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ground meat alternatives for that meaty texture and umami flavor.
How spicy is the dish with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the garlic and beef without overpowering the dish. You can easily adjust the amount or leave them out if you prefer no spice.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley will work in a pinch but won’t provide the same fresh flavor or vibrant color. You can also try fresh basil or chives as an alternative herb garnish.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef Recipe brings instant joy to the table with its rich, creamy sauce and hearty beef. It’s a wonderful crowd-pleaser that feels special without complicated steps. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to pasta dishes for great company or cozy nights in. So grab your skillet and get cooking—you’re in for a delicious treat!
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Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef is a rich, flavorful pasta dish combining tender ground beef with a buttery garlic sauce and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, it features perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a creamy, mildly spicy, and aromatic sauce finished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Beef and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Additional grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden but not browned, to avoid bitterness.
- Combine Beef with Sauce: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and stir it into the garlic butter mixture, ensuring the beef is well coated with the flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together on the heat until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic butter sauce and the cheese has melted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Fresh Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. This adds brightness and a fresh herbaceous note to the dish.
- Serve: Plate the spaghetti and beef mixture while hot. Top with additional grated Parmesan and extra parsley as desired for garnish and extra flavor.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the spaghetti.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them if you prefer no heat.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- For a lower fat version, use lean ground beef or swap for ground turkey.
