If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace at the end of a long day, look no further than this Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef Recipe. It perfectly combines the comforting flavors of tender ground beef, rich garlic butter, and nutty Parmesan cheese all tossed with al dente spaghetti. Every bite bursts with savory goodness, while the fresh parsley adds a bright finish that keeps this dish feeling fresh and irresistible. It’s simple, quick, and will soon become your go-to weeknight favorite for leaving everyone happily full and asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s the ground beef providing hearty protein, the garlic and butter creating a luscious sauce, or the Parmesan cheese delivering that signature savory punch.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Choose good-quality pasta for the perfect al dente texture that holds the sauce well.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that brings rich, savory flavor and satisfying heartiness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives the dish its silky, indulgent texture and gorgeous golden color.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic ensures the sauce is aromatic and bursting with flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a hint of heat for those who love a little kick.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the spaghetti with a salty, nutty depth that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Provides a vibrant green freshness that brightens every forkful.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate all the other flavors perfectly.
- Additional grated Parmesan for topping: Because more cheese is always a great idea!
How to Make Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until just al dente. This ensures the pasta has a slight firmness that holds up beautifully when tossed with the rich sauce. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining — this little trick helps marry the sauce and pasta later on.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon so there are no large chunks. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the natural beefy flavors. When it’s perfectly cooked, transfer the beef to a bowl and set it aside for the next step.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them, letting everything sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This step infuses the butter with layers of warming flavor that’ll coat every strand of spaghetti.
Step 4: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and stir it into the garlicky butter sauce. This step allows the savory flavors of the beef to soak up all that garlic goodness, creating a harmonious base for the pasta.
Step 5: Toss in Spaghetti and Cheese
Add the cooked spaghetti right back into the skillet along with the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce just enough. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss everything thoroughly until each strand is luxuriously coated in the creamy, cheesy garlic butter sauce.
Step 6: Add Fresh Parsley
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the chopped fresh parsley. This final touch provides a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that prevents the dish from feeling too heavy.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Plate the pasta immediately, topping it with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley if you like. Serve hot and watch your friends and family dive right in.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef Recipe even further, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top. A few extra sprigs of parsley or freshly cracked black pepper add a professional, polished look that’s totally Instagram-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with bright, crisp sides to cut through the richness. Think a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, or even some garlic bread to double down on the flavor theme.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, try serving the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the glossy sauce and beef crumbles. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a stunning dinner party presentation. Leftover pasta transforms beautifully into a baked spaghetti casserole topped with mozzarella and Parmesan for a whole new meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s meal even better. Give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to freeze the beef and spaghetti separately to maintain texture. Place cooled beef in a freezer-safe container and do the same for cooked pasta without sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and combining.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving straight from the fridge to keep the spaghetti from drying out or becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully here, feel free to substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne for a different texture and presentation.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is mild by default, but the optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat. You can adjust the amount according to your spice preference or omit it entirely.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat substitutes. The garlic butter and Parmesan will still make it rich and flavorful.
What type of Parmesan cheese is best?
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is the gold standard here. It melts beautifully and offers the best flavor compared to pre-grated or powdered versions.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can brown the beef and cook the spaghetti a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, quickly reheat and assemble the dish for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef Recipe that makes it a standout comfort meal. It’s elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for a weekday dinner. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this mouthwatering combination of garlicky butter, parmesan richness, and savory beef. So grab your ingredients, embrace the simple cooking steps, and get ready to create a delicious memory that everyone will cherish.
Print
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 Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender ground beef, al dente spaghetti, and a rich garlic butter sauce infused with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe balances hearty protein with creamy, savory flavors to delight your taste buds in just 30 minutes.
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
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Additional grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and optional crushed red pepper flakes, cooking gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the garlic butter mixture.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti, reserved pasta water, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated with the savory sauce and cheese.
- Finish with Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley to add a fresh, herby flavor.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot, topping each serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese and extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and keeps it creamy and smooth.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook garlic to avoid bitterness.
