If you’re searching for a true comfort-food classic that’s both simple and spectacular, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef absolutely delivers. Every forkful brings together tender pasta, a rich butter and garlic embrace, and meltingly gooey cheese, all crowned by flavorful ground beef. It’s the easiest way to turn everyday ingredients into a crave-worthy main dish, guaranteed to wow your family or your next dinner guests. Plus, it’s ready in less than half an hour — which means you can enjoy big flavors without any fuss!

Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe works its magic using humble, everyday staples, each one playing a starring role in taste, texture, or even a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need to create Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef.

12 ounces linguine pasta: The classic, flat noodles soak up every drop of that buttery, cheesy sauce—don’t substitute with something too thin!
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef beautifully; use a good-quality oil for best flavor.
1 pound ground beef: Choose 80/20 for a juicy, flavorful result without excess grease.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This makes the sauce extra silky and brings that unmistakable garlic butter depth.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Don’t skimp—fresh garlic is essential for big, bold flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Perfect for bringing out every other ingredient’s natural flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just the right hint of heat to balance the creamy, cheesy flavors.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic blend that ties the dish together with a cozy, herby finish.
1/4 cup beef broth or reserved pasta water: Adds moisture and flavor, helping the sauce cling to every noodle.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty Parmesan goes into the sauce and helps it melt dreamily.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that classic cheese pull every pasta lover dreams about.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top, parsley gives a burst of freshness and color.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef

Step 1: Boil the Linguine

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your linguine. Cook it just until al dente — you want it to have a bit of bite! Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining; this liquid gold will help bring the whole dish together later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While your pasta simmers away, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon, and let it cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. If there’s extra fat in the pan, feel free to drain it off for a lighter finish.

Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter Magic

Lower the heat to medium and introduce the butter and minced garlic right into the pan with the beef. Stir it constantly — you’ll start to smell that gorgeous garlic aroma in just a minute or two. This step is what makes Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef truly irresistible.

Step 4: Season and Loosen the Sauce

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then pour in your reserved pasta water or beef broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of your skillet. This keeps everything juicy and flavorful, so your pasta will never be dry.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Add the drained linguine straight into the skillet, tossing gently to coat every strand in that velvety sauce. Sprinkle on the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they melt into a creamy, cheesy blanket over the pasta. The result? That signature luxurious finish of Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Spoon your golden pasta into warm bowls and shower it with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it right away, while those cheeses are still perfectly gooey for the best experience!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef

Garnishes

A final flurry of freshly chopped parsley turns this dish from cozy to spectacular, but you can also add a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. A twist of cracked black pepper lends an extra layer of zing right before serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or classic garlic bread for those who can never get enough garlic. If you’re entertaining, roasted broccoli or simple sautéed green beans add both vibrant color and freshness, providing a lovely contrast to the richness of Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving the pasta twirled high in shallow bowls, nestled under a blanket of bubbling cheese and topped with a curl of fresh Parmesan. For an elevated touch, a drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon can make the whole dish pop. Family-style platters work beautifully for laid-back nights, letting everyone scoop their perfect portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, staying creamy and full of flavor even after a night or two in the fridge.

Freezing

For those who love to prep ahead, you can freeze this dish! Transfer to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember that mozzarella and Parmesan may change texture a little, but the cozy flavors will still shine after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your pasta to a skillet and splash in a bit of water, broth, or even a touch of cream to loosen up the sauce. Warm over low to medium heat, stirring gently until it’s hot all the way through and the cheese is melty again. The microwave also works in a pinch—just cover lightly and stir halfway through for even reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta for Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef?

Absolutely! While linguine is classic and soaks up the sauce perfectly, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even rotini all work well. Just keep an eye on the texture—al dente is the goal.

How can I make this dish a bit lighter?

Swap out regular ground beef for lean beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken. You can also use reduced-fat cheeses and go lighter on the butter without losing that signature Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely. Simply use your favorite gluten-free linguine or other pasta, making sure to monitor the cooking time as gluten-free varieties can vary in texture.

What cheeses work best if I want to mix it up?

Parmesan and mozzarella are a dreamy team here, but you can add in fontina for extra meltiness or a touch of provolone for more tang. Just stick to cheeses that melt well so you keep that irresistible, creamy sauce.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Without a doubt! Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef is a huge hit with kids—the cheesy, buttery noodles and hearty beef check all the right boxes. Feel free to skip the parsley or red pepper flakes for little palates.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to treat yourself to something satisfying, simple, and absolutely loaded with flavor, make this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef your next dinner. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any night you want comfort on the table fast. Give it a try—you’re about to create a new favorite!

Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef. This dish combines tender linguine pasta coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, savory ground beef, and a generous amount of melted cheese for a satisfying dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Linguine Pasta:

12 ounces linguine pasta

Ground Beef:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef

Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup beef broth or pasta water

Cheese and Garnish:

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Linguine: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water and drain.
Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet, then add butter, garlic, and seasonings.
Combine: Toss drained linguine with beef mixture, adding cheeses until melted.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!