Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe
If you are searching for a comfort meal that effortlessly combines richness, flavor, and a touch of elegance, the Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender linguine coated in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, studded with perfectly browned ground beef, and topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for that irresistible cheesy goodness. Every forkful is an explosion of creamy, savory, and garlicky delights that will have you smiling long after the last bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe thrives on simplicity and well-chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the silky linguine to the aromatic garlic and the rich, savory ground beef, these ingredients transform ordinary components into an extraordinary meal.
- 12 oz linguine pasta: The perfect noodle shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and beef mixture.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor and a satisfying protein boost.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates the buttery base that carries the garlic’s aroma and richness.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the sauce its signature bold and fragrant garlic punch.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the beef with aromatic Mediterranean flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning every element to perfection.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides the creamy body of the sauce, making it decadently smooth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy cheese that envelops the pasta.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty depth and sharpness to the sauce.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick of heat that balances the richness if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant touch to brighten up the final dish.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your linguine in plenty of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures the pasta has a slight bite and will stand up to the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain well and set aside so it’s ready to be combined later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse it with savory herb notes. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from feeling too heavy, then set the beef aside for the next step.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you choose to use them. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic is fragrant and golden, which is the heartbeat of our dish’s rich flavor profile.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Let the cream simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, thickening into a luscious base. Then gradually stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until everything melts into a smooth, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the drained linguine and browned ground beef back into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss everything together to ensure every strand of pasta and morsel of beef gets luxuriously coated. Allow it to cook for a couple more minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to make it just right.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
When you’re ready to plate, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley. This simple garnish adds a pop of green and a fresh, herby aroma that contrasts beautifully with the rich and cheesy sauce.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
The bright freshness of chopped parsley is classic here, but you can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added cheesiness. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate the dish, giving it a slightly vibrant touch.
Side Dishes
This hearty linguine pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads dressed in tangy vinaigrettes to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add texture and color. Garlic bread or crusty French bread are perfect to mop up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving the linguine in individual shallow bowls garnished with a sprig of parsley and a parmesan twist. Pair with a bold red wine to complement the ground beef’s savory depth. Alternatively, spoon the pasta into small ramekins for individual bites or portions that guests can personalize with additional toppings like chopped sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from drying out, gently stir in a splash of cream or milk before reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little cream, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and use medium power in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure a creamy consistency without drying.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal for holding the sauce, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne can work beautifully with this recipe. Just adjust cook times according to the pasta you choose.
Is ground beef the only meat option?
Nope, feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. These alternatives still pair wonderfully with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils to keep that savory, hearty texture while maintaining the creamy cheesy appeal.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe has only a mild heat from the optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount to your taste or skip entirely if you prefer no spice at all.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much after sitting, just stir in a little bit of milk, cream, or pasta cooking water while reheating to loosen it up and bring back that creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe that makes it a comforting favorite on any night of the week. It is one of those meals that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly straightforward to make, perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply treating yourself. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, garlicky, cheesy bite—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender linguine, rich garlic butter sauce, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and perfectly browned ground beef. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Ground Beef
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked linguine and browned ground beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and beef evenly in the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve & Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a bit of heat, keep the red pepper flakes in the sauce; omit them if you prefer no spice.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- To reduce fat, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
