Description
This quick and flavorful garlic beef pasta is sautéed with garlic, herbs, and a touch of olive oil. The savory beef and aromatic garlic create an irresistible, simple meal that’s full of bold flavors.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Beef Pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your preferred type)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for added spice
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use in case you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Set the pasta aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks, browning it evenly. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, until it is fully browned and cooked through. If there is excess fat in the pan, drain it off.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook the onion for about 3-4 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic. The garlic will infuse the beef and onion with a savory aroma that will form the base of the sauce.
4. Create the Sauce
Pour the beef broth into the skillet, stirring to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate them into the sauce. Allow the broth to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, which will help concentrate the flavors. Then, add the heavy cream to the pan, stirring to combine. This will create a creamy, rich sauce that coats the pasta and beef beautifully. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
5. Season the Sauce
Add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir to combine, then taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes to taste for a bit of spice. The seasoning adds depth to the sauce and helps bring out the flavors of the beef and garlic.
6. Add the Pasta
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure it’s evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a silky consistency. Stir the pasta gently until it is fully coated with the creamy garlic sauce.
7. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the pan and toss everything together until the cheese melts and combines with the sauce. The Parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the garlic and beef. The cheese also helps thicken the sauce, making it even more luxurious.
8. Serve and Garnish
Remove the skillet from the heat and divide the Garlic Beef Pasta into individual serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If desired, you can also sprinkle a little more grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 22-26g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 25-30g