Garlic Butter Beef Pasta – Easy & Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

When you’re short on time but craving big flavor, this Garlic Butter Beef Pasta hits the spot. It’s a comforting, protein-packed dinner made with ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce—simple ingredients, bold taste, and ready in under 30 minutes.

This recipe brings together the heartiness of beef with the silky richness of garlic butter, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even quick meal prep. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable with pantry staples or leftover veggies.

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Why You’ll Love This Beef Pasta Dinner

• Comforting, buttery, garlicky goodness

• One skillet and 30-minute total cook time

• Budget-friendly ingredients

• Perfect for meal prep or leftover lunches

• Easily made gluten-free or low-carb with swaps

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Ingredients Overview

For the Pasta & Beef:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)

  • Use whole wheat, chickpea, or gluten-free if desired

• 1 lb ground beef (90/10 or leaner for less grease)

  • Provides rich flavor and protein

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved before draining)

• Optional: splash of lemon juice or grated Parmesan for brightness

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup baby spinach or kale

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• Grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella on top

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil

• Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente

• Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat

• Break it up as it browns, season with salt and pepper

• Once fully cooked, drain excess fat if needed and remove from pan

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat

• Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning

• Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Return beef to the skillet

• Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water

• Toss everything together until pasta is coated and glossy

• Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed

• Finish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley

Optional: Toss in spinach at the end until wilted for added nutrients.

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Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is delicious on its own, but pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic roasted green beans or broccoli

• Simple side salad with balsamic or lemon vinaigrette

• Crusty sourdough or garlic toast

• Steamed zucchini or asparagus for a lighter side

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Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Make It Creamy:

• Stir in 2–3 tbsp cream cheese or heavy cream at the end

• Or add ½ cup ricotta for a creamy finish without being too heavy

Make It Low-Carb:

• Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles

• Serve the beef and garlic butter over roasted cauliflower or spaghetti squash

Change Up the Protein:

• Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives all work well

• For a more elegant spin, try thin-sliced sirloin strips

Extra Vegetables:

• Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, kale, or cherry tomatoes

• Add roasted veggies like broccoli or cauliflower to bulk it up

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Nutrition Notes (Per Serving, serves 4):

Based on lean ground beef and standard pasta.

• Calories: ~500–550

• Protein: 28–32g

• Carbs: 40–45g

• Fat: 25–30g

• Fiber: 3–5g

This dish is:

• High in protein for muscle support and satiety

• Balanced in macros for energy and fullness

• Easy to adapt to low-carb or gluten-free diets

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FAQs About Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, absolutely. Both work well—just add extra spices for flavor since they’re milder than beef.

2. What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best to hold onto the sauce, but spaghetti or fettuccine also work.

3. Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese. Add lemon juice or nutritional yeast for flavor balance.

5. How do I make it more filling without adding carbs?

Stir in spinach, kale, mushrooms, or zucchini to bulk it up with fiber and nutrients.

6. How can I make the sauce spicier?

Increase red pepper flakes, or add a splash of hot sauce or sriracha when sautéing garlic.

7. Can I meal prep this pasta?

Definitely! Store in containers for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of water for best texture.

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