Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti: A Rich, Flavorful Pasta Dish You’ll Crave

Imagine twirling forkfuls of perfectly al dente spaghetti coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, mingling with juicy, savory beef—each bite bursting with umami and aromatic richness. This Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti is comfort food at its finest, blending Italian-inspired flavors with a hearty, satisfying twist. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this dish delivers every time.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Twirled garlic butter beef spaghetti with melted Parmesan cheese on a dinner plate
Twirled garlic butter beef spaghetti with melted Parmesan cheese on a dinner plate

This recipe stands out because it’s fast, flavorful, and foolproof.

The garlic butter sauce is simple but decadent, while the seasoned beef adds depth and protein. Unlike traditional spaghetti dishes that rely on heavy tomato sauces, this version lets the buttery, garlicky goodness shine. Plus, it’s versatile—swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge or pantry, and it’ll still taste amazing.

Specify Information

  • Servings: 4
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Course: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion

Essential Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

Steaming pasta dish featuring ground beef and garlic butter sauce garnished with herbs
Steaming pasta dish featuring ground beef and garlic butter sauce garnished with herbs
  • 12 oz spaghetti (or any long pasta like linguine)
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean for best flavor)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil)
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water (for sauce consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in red pepper flakes.
  4. Combine everything: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing with the beef and sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the noodles smoothly.
  5. Finish with cheese and herbs: Stir in Parmesan and parsley. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Family-style serving of golden spaghetti with seasoned beef and visible garlic flecks
Family-style serving of golden spaghetti with seasoned beef and visible garlic flecks
  • For extra richness, swap half the butter with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better than pre-shredded.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of warm pasta water before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce. Freezing isn’t recommended—the pasta may become mushy.

Benefits of This Recipe

Simple yet elegant garlic butter beef spaghetti topped with fresh-grated cheese
Simple yet elegant garlic butter beef spaghetti topped with fresh-grated cheese
  • High-protein: Ground beef provides iron and B vitamins.
  • Quick and budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples for an easy meal.
  • Customizable: Works with gluten-free pasta, turkey, or plant-based beef.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the pasta: Aim for al dente—it continues cooking when mixed with the sauce.
  • Using cold butter: Let it soften slightly to prevent burning the garlic.
  • Skipping pasta water: The starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles.

Alternatives

  • Protein swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or lentils.
  • Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Low-carb: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Yes, but fresh garlic has a brighter flavor. Use 1 tsp pre-minced garlic per clove.

How do I prevent the beef from drying out?

Don’t overcook it—remove from heat as soon as it’s no longer pink.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers with the garlic.

Is there a substitute for red pepper flakes?

Use a pinch of cayenne or omit it entirely for a mild version.

Can I make this ahead?

Prep the beef and sauce in advance, but cook the pasta fresh for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti is a guaranteed hit—simple enough for busy nights but packed with restaurant-worthy flavor. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your rotation. Don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for that perfect finish. Happy cooking!

Tags

Basic Meals Dinners
Stay At Home Mom Dinner Ideas
Dinner Appetizer Recipes
Game Night Dinners Families
Garlic Butter Steak With Pasta
Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Creamy Parmesan
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Pasta
Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Steak Family Dinner Ideas

Photo of author
WRITTEN BY
Sharon Sherman is the founder of World Kitchen Tools, a home cook who turned her everyday kitchen experiences into a helpful resource for others. Like many of us, she learned through trial and error, family recipes, and lots of practice. Sharon started this blog because she believes good cooking shouldn't be complicated or expensive. When not testing recipes or kitchen gadgets, she enjoys gardening, reading cookbooks, and exploring local farmers markets with her family.

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