Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Absolutely! Here’s a long, indulgent recipe for Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta, a one-pot or skillet dinner that’s rich, hearty, and packed with bold garlic flavor. It features tender ground beef, a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in one delicious, cheesy, creamy bite. Perfect for family meals or comforting weeknight dinners.

🍝 Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: ~45 minutes

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

A rich, garlicky, beefy pasta dish that’s full of comfort, flavor, and creamy goodness.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Beef & Pasta:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85–90% lean)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack (optional for creaminess)
• ½ tsp garlic powder (to intensify garlic depth)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg for complexity

Optional Garnish/Add-ins:

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan
• Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas
• A dash of lemon zest or chili flakes for contrast

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook pasta al dente (firm to the bite) according to package instructions.
• Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

🍝 Tip: A firmer pasta holds up better in a rich, creamy sauce.

2. Brown the Beef

1. In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant (do not burn).
4. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
7. Remove beef from pan and set aside on a plate.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt 2 tbsp butter.
2. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, followed by the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer until it begins to thicken (about 5–6 minutes).
5. Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a touch of salt & pepper.
6. Lower heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and optional mozzarella, mixing until melted and velvety.

🧄 Garlic Tip: If you love bold garlic, roast a few cloves beforehand and mash them into the sauce for sweet depth.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add the browned beef back into the skillet with the sauce.
2. Stir in the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra cream.
4. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.

🧂 Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or add more Parmesan to thicken. A squeeze of lemon brightens it if it’s too rich.

5. Serve & Garnish

• Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a crack of black pepper.
• Optional: Add a drizzle of olive oil or truffle oil for a fancy finish.

🥄 Variations & Upgrades

🔥 Spicy Garlic Beef Pasta:

• Add chili oil, hot sauce, or crushed Calabrian chilis to the sauce.
• Use spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef.

🌿 Herb Lovers:

• Add fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary into the sauté stage.
• Garnish with torn basil or fresh chives.

🧀 Ultra Cheesy:

• Mix in shredded gouda, fontina, or provolone.
• Top with extra mozzarella and broil until bubbly and golden.

🥬 Boost the Veggies:

• Stir in baby spinach, kale, or steamed broccoli before combining with pasta.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a savory punch.

🐄 Beef Swap:

• Use sliced sirloin, ground turkey, or a plant-based ground alternative.

🥡 Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing is not ideal due to the cream, but can be done if cooled fully and sealed tightly.

🥗 Suggested Sides

• Garlic bread or Parmesan knots
• Caesar or arugula salad
• Roasted green beans or asparagus

🍷 Wine Pairing

• Red: Try a light Merlot, Chianti, or Pinot Noir.
• White: A creamy Chardonnay or garlic-loving Sauvignon Blanc pairs well too.

Would you like a baked version of this dish with a crispy cheese topping, or a low-carb/cauliflower pasta version?