Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti
Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti combines al dente pasta with savory ground beef and a luxurious garlic-infused butter sauce. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, this simple yet decadent dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound 16 oz spaghetti
- 1 pound 16 oz lean ground beef
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 cloves garlic minced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup pasta cooking water reserved
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous amount of salt (about 1 tablespoon). Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce that clings to the spaghetti.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add 4 tablespoons of butter to the beef. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned (burnt garlic will taste bitter).
- Add the dried oregano and stir to combine all the flavors. Cook for another 30 seconds to allow the herbs to bloom in the hot butter.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the beef and garlic butter. Toss everything together, adding the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is smooth and coats the pasta evenly.
- Remove from heat and immediately add the Parmesan cheese, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce before the cheese can clump.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For the richest flavor, use butter with a high fat content (European-style if available).
- The pasta water is crucial for this recipe—don’t forget to reserve some before draining!
- This dish comes together quickly, so have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
- For meal prep, you can brown the beef ahead of time and refrigerate until needed.
- The dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.