Pasta dishes are a universal favorite for their comforting flavors and versatility. Among these, cheesy garlic butter linguine pasta with savory ground beef is a standout. This dish combines the creamy richness of cheese, the aromatic depth of garlic butter, and the hearty satisfaction of ground beef to create a meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or indulgent weekend gatherings.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

To prepare this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pasta:

12 ounces of linguine pasta
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup of mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
½ cup of heavy cream
½ teaspoon of black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Ground Beef:

1 pound of ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Set the cooked pasta aside.

2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Remove from heat and set aside.

3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a separate large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to warm through for about 2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines into a smooth sauce. Add mozzarella cheese if desired for a thicker, creamier sauce.
Season the sauce with black pepper and adjust salt to taste.

4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly. Use a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to loosen up.
Mix in the ground beef mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large bowl.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for garnish.
Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky, and savory goodness.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, high-quality Parmesan, and good olive oil elevate this dish’s flavor significantly.
Balance the Cheese: Parmesan provides a sharp, nutty flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess. Adjust the proportions to suit your taste.
Customize the Protein: Ground beef works wonderfully in this dish, but you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a different twist.
Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider tossing in some spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes when mixing the pasta with the sauce.

Why This Dish is a Winner

This recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser for several reasons:

Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy garlic butter sauce coats the linguine perfectly, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.
Hearty and Satisfying: The ground beef adds protein and a savory depth that complements the pasta.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Versatile and Customizable: Adjust the seasoning, cheese, or protein to cater to your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this linguine pasta with a crisp side salad, such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness. A slice of warm garlic bread or a baguette will soak up any leftover sauce beautifully. For beverages, a glass of red wine like Merlot or a sparkling water infused with lemon and mint enhances the meal.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine is recommended for its ability to hold the creamy sauce, other pasta types like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne can work just as well.

2. What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives. For a vegetarian option, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or lentils as a protein substitute.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ground beef and sauce ahead of time. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve and combine everything before serving for the best texture and flavor.

4. How can I make the dish spicier?

To add heat, include red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef or the sauce.

5. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, you can:

Use whole-grain or chickpea pasta.
Substitute half-and-half or low-fat milk for heavy cream.
Reduce the amount of butter and cheese slightly.

6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free linguine or another gluten-free pasta. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as Parmesan cheese and seasonings, are gluten-free as well.

7. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

While you can freeze the ground beef and sauce separately, it’s best to cook fresh pasta when ready to eat. Cream-based sauces may separate slightly when reheated from frozen but can be revived with gentle stirring and added cream.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy garlic butter linguine pasta with savory ground beef is a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting. The interplay of textures and flavors—from the creamy, cheesy sauce to the tender pasta and hearty beef—makes it a meal worth savoring. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is bound to impress and satisfy. Bon appétit!

Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef

Author: Meryem
Total Time: 30 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef is a comforting dish packed with rich flavors. The creamy, garlicky butter sauce perfectly coats the tender linguine, while the savory ground beef adds hearty goodness. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

12 oz linguine
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Ground Beef:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 additional cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
Prepare the Ground Beef:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is softened and the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a clean skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything:
- Toss the cooked linguine in the garlic butter sauce until well coated.
- Add the cooked ground beef and mix thoroughly.
Serve and Garnish:
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Optionally, add extra grated Parmesan on top.

Notes

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef is a satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table. Perfectly balanced and delicious!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg