If you are craving a soul-satisfying dish that brings comfort and flavor together in every bite, look no further than this ultimate Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe. Imagine tender linguine noodles cloaked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, generously studded with perfectly seasoned, rich ground beef and topped with melty cheeses. This recipe is a total game changer for weeknight dinners or whenever you want to treat yourself to a hearty yet elegant pasta that combines creamy, savory, and cheesy sensations all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible. Each one complements the others to create a perfectly balanced plate.
- 12 ounces linguine: The ideal pasta choice for holding onto the creamy garlic butter sauce with every forkful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the ground beef beautifully and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 pound ground beef: The savory protein star that brings heartiness and depth.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for that luscious, velvety garlic butter base.
- 5 cloves garlic minced: Infuses the dish with vibrant, aromatic garlic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle background sweetness and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings herbal warmth that ties everything together.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle, exciting hint of heat.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Enriches the sauce with meaty depth and moisture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy, dreamy texture that coats the pasta.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey, stretchy cheesiness that everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor, perfectly balancing the creaminess.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To season perfectly at each stage.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: A fresh, colorful finishing touch that brightens the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente for that perfect, slightly firm bite. Drain the noodles but save about half a cup of the pasta water to help create a silky sauce later. Setting the pasta aside allows you to focus on the savory ground beef and garlic butter sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s browned and beautifully caramelized. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to build that deep savory flavor foundation. Once cooked, if there’s excess grease, drain it so the sauce stays balanced and not overly greasy.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet and add the butter along with minced garlic. Let the garlic gently sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and golden, releasing that intoxicating aroma. Next, stir in the beef broth and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Mix everything together well, melding the beef and garlicky butter sauce.
Step 4: Combine Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine into a luscious sauce. Now toss in the cooked linguine along with mozzarella, Parmesan, and a splash of your reserved pasta water. Toss until all the cheese melts evenly into a creamy coating that hugs every strand of pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper for the perfect finish.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the plate visually but introduces a fresh herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce. Feel free to add an extra dusting of Parmesan for cheesier indulgence or some cracked black pepper for an inviting spice kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads such as arugula or romaine tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the creamy texture. For heartier sides, roasted vegetables or garlic bread make fantastic companions that soak up every last bit of sauce and add complementary flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the linguine in individual skillet dishes or mini cast iron skillets to keep the pasta warm longer and impress your guests. You can also layer the dish in a large casserole, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and briefly broil it to create a bubbly, golden crust that adds extra texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken as it cools, so before serving again, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to bring back that creamy consistency.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this delightful Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe, place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for up to 2 months, making it a convenient option for busy days when you crave comfort without the cook time.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat or microwave it in intervals, stirring in a little milk or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. This ensures each bite tastes just as luscious as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is perfect for holding onto the sauce, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne can work beautifully as well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat alternatives for a delicious vegetarian version.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that enhances the flavors without overpowering. You can omit or increase according to your heat preference.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have mozzarella or Parmesan?
Provolone, fontina, or even cheddar can be delicious substitutes, each bringing their own unique meltiness and flavor characteristics.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes, you can make everything a few hours in advance and keep it warm in a low oven, or reheat it just before serving. This recipe holds up well and still tastes fresh and creamy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way creamy garlic butter, savory ground beef, and tender linguine come together in this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe. It is the kind of dish that comforts your soul while impressing your taste buds, perfect for cozy nights or special meals. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite go-to pasta masterpiece!
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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: American-Italian
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef is a delicious and comforting American-Italian main course that combines perfectly cooked linguine with rich, garlicky butter sauce, tender ground beef, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s an easy stovetop recipe that delivers creamy, cheesy pasta with a kick of Italian seasoning and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté garlic and melt butter: Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet and add the unsalted butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Add broth and red pepper flakes: Stir in the beef broth and red pepper flakes, mixing the ingredients together to combine all flavors evenly.
- Incorporate heavy cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine it with the beef mixture creating a creamy sauce.
- Toss pasta with sauce and cheese: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet along with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything thoroughly until the cheese melts and the pasta is coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as desired. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine before adding the beef broth.
- Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina to vary the cheese flavor profile.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
