There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of pasta to bring comfort after a long day. This Garlic Beef Pasta is a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl—rich, savory, and packed with flavor. With tender beef, aromatic garlic, and a creamy, well-seasoned sauce, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or looking for something special yet simple, this dish is sure to impress.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance—garlicky goodness without being overpowering, tender bites of beef, and a velvety sauce that coats each pasta strand perfectly. It’s a dish that satisfies cravings for something both indulgent and homey. Plus, it’s easy to make with pantry staples and comes together in under an hour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed – The combination of garlic, beef, and creamy sauce creates a rich and comforting dish.
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this one!
• Customizable – Swap pasta types, adjust spice levels, or add veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Garlic Beef Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Then, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Gradually mix in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the creamy garlic beef sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy this rich, comforting dish while it’s hot!

Helpful Tips

• Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so grating your own Parmesan and mozzarella makes a big difference.
• Don’t overcook the pasta – Cooking it al dente helps it hold up well in the sauce.
• Add veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions for extra nutrition.
• Make it spicier – If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Store pasta water – A little reserved pasta water can help loosen the sauce if needed.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Meat-based

Notes

• This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• If reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
• Want to make it lighter? Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a light cream alternative.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~580
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg

(Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape works, but heartier options like rigatoni, fettuccine, or rotini hold onto the sauce best.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a bit of butter, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the beef and sauce ahead of time, then store it separately from the pasta. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before adding fresh-cooked pasta.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.

Related Recipes

If you love this Garlic Beef Pasta, here are some other recipes you might enjoy:

• One-Pot French Onion Pasta
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce
• Garlic Butter Beef Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
• Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta

Conclusion

Garlic Beef Pasta is a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that brings bold flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch!

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