If you’re craving a meal that is comfort on a plate with a bit of flair, you’re absolutely going to adore this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe. It’s a harmonious blend of tender linguine swirled in a dreamy, garlicky butter sauce, loaded with rich ground beef and melted cheese. Every forkful delivers creamy, savory goodness that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish hits that perfect spot where simple ingredients meet unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe plays a vital role, combining to create a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and hearty. The ingredients are straightforward, but their freshness and quality truly bring this recipe to life, from the tender pasta to the rich cheeses and savory beef.
- Linguine pasta (12 oz): Choose good quality linguine for the best texture that holds onto all the delicious sauce.
- Ground beef (1 lb): A rich, savory base that adds hearty depth and satisfying protein to the dish.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp): Essential for creating that luscious garlic butter sauce—using unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Adds a fragrant punch that elevates every bite with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): A little kick for those who like a subtle heat contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The secret to the silky, rich sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds sharp, nutty notes and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Provides gooey, stretchy cheesiness that makes every bite extra comforting.
- Salt and pepper: To perfectly season and balance the whole dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tbsp): A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a slight herbal lift at the end.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine Pasta
Start by boiling your linguine according to the package instructions until just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain it well, but be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water—it’s a magic ingredient that helps adjust the sauce consistency later on.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While your pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook it until nicely browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside—it’s going to bring so much savory goodness to your final dish.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant—this step infuses the butter with the perfect garlicky aroma but be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken just slightly. Then, gradually stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until everything melts into a smooth and velvety sauce. Add salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Beef with Sauce
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet along with the drained linguine. Toss everything together so that the pasta and beef are completely coated in that dreamy cheesy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect consistency.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Garnished
Your dish is ready to be enjoyed right away. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a fresh pop of color and flavor. This final touch makes the meal look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Top with freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful color contrast and a fresh, slightly peppery bite. If you’re feeling fancy, a little extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of chili flakes can make things even more enticing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread also make perfect companions to soak up every bit of that luxurious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe in rustic pasta bowls, topped with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. You can even add a wedge of lemon on the side for a bright citrus twist right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making second-day servings just as delicious.
Freezing
While this dish can be frozen, be aware that the texture of the creamy sauce might slightly change upon thawing. If you do freeze it, portion it well and use within 2 months for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and provides a lighter option. Just be sure to season it well as it’s milder in flavor than beef.
Is it necessary to use both Parmesan and mozzarella cheese?
Using both gives this dish the perfect balance of sharp and melty cheesiness. Parmesan adds a nutty flavor while mozzarella offers that gorgeous gooey texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can, by swapping the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground beef alternative. The sauce remains rich and delicious regardless!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Whole milk mixed with a bit of butter can substitute, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. For best results, use heavy cream when possible.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic gently over medium heat and watch it closely. As soon as it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, it’s time to move on to the next step to avoid bitterness.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings simple ingredients together in an exciting, heartwarming dish. Once you try it, you’ll likely find it becoming a go-to favorite for cozy dinners. So grab that skillet, get cooking, and enjoy every comforting bite with the people you love!
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Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground 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 Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef is a quick and comforting meal perfect for any weeknight. Linguine pasta is tossed in a creamy garlic butter sauce with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, combined with flavorful browned ground beef, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a rich and satisfying dish that balances hearty meat with luscious cheese and garlicky goodness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes or until fully browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings: Gradually add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Pasta and Beef: Add the cooked linguine pasta and browned ground beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce stick to the pasta.
- For a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead by preparing pasta and sauce separately, then combining before serving.
- To lighten the dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk but expect a less creamy sauce.
