Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz linguine; 1 pound ground beef; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you love comfort food that’s both effortless and bursting with flavor, Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef is the dish you need in your life right now. Imagine perfectly al dente linguine coated in a silky, cheesy garlic butter sauce, with hearty bites of seasoned ground beef tucked into every forkful. This is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day—simple enough for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough to serve to friends and family. If you’re searching for a new pasta obsession, this one might just steal your heart (and your taste buds!).

Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, bringing the perfect balance of richness, aroma, and texture to your plate. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to make every element shine.

12 oz linguine: Choose a quality pasta that will hold up to the creamy, cheesy sauce and soak in all the flavors.
1 pound ground beef: Go for 80/20 for juicy, flavorful bites—drain excess fat if needed.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This is the foundation for the luscious garlic butter sauce.
5 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic gives the sauce irresistible depth and an appetizing aroma.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty character and helps thicken the sauce.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
1/4 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce ultra-creamy and luxurious without being heavy.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Lends a subtle herby kick that ties everything together.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Season generously to bring out all the savory notes.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, bright finish and a pop of color.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the linguine and cook until just al dente—about 9 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid is pure gold for bringing the sauce together later. Set the drained pasta aside and let’s get started on the star of the show.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While your pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt, a few cracks of black pepper, and that Italian seasoning for depth. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside, keeping all those delicious juices in the pan.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until fragrant (don’t let it brown, or it could turn bitter). This step infuses the butter with rich garlic flavor, setting the stage for your dreamy, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, pour in the heavy cream, and toss everything together until the cheese melts into a silky, stretchy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems thick—the starch will help everything cling to the noodles perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This is the moment when Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef truly comes alive.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is perfectly coated and piping hot, transfer your masterpiece to serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for a hit of color and freshness. Serve immediately and watch the smiles appear at the table!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef

Garnishes

A handful of fresh parsley does wonders, but you can also add extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving adds a subtle, fruity finish that pairs beautifully with the cheesy, savory flavors.

Side Dishes

This pasta loves company! Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve with warm garlic bread for ultimate comfort. Steamed or roasted veggies—think broccoli or asparagus—make tasty, colorful sides that round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try twirling the pasta into individual nests with tongs, then topping each with an extra spoonful of cheesy beef and a sprig of parsley. Or, serve family-style in a big, shallow bowl so everyone can help themselves. If you’re feeling playful, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried shallots on top for a little crunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef holds up beautifully as leftovers. Transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your next meal just as satisfying (if not more!).

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for a busy night, you can freeze this pasta. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and keep the cheese from separating. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a meal that tastes freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape instead of linguine?

Absolutely! While linguine is ideal for soaking up the cheesy garlic butter sauce, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne will work well. Just keep an eye on cooking times—shorter or longer shapes may need a minute more or less in the pot.

What kind of ground beef is best for this dish?

A ground beef with about 20 percent fat (80/20) gives the most flavor and tenderness. If you use leaner beef, you may want to add an extra tablespoon of butter to keep the sauce rich and luscious.

Can I add vegetables to the Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers are wonderful additions. Just cook them in the skillet after the garlic and before returning the beef, so they’re tender and loaded with flavor.

How can I make this dish spicy?

Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or finish with a pinch on top. You can also use a bit of hot Italian sausage mixed with the ground beef for extra heat and depth.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

If you’re looking to cut back on richness, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and use a bit less cheese. Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef for a leaner protein option.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a big bowl of Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef—it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to snag a bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to become a staple in your pasta repertoire. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you catch yourself craving it again and again!

Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting pasta dish combining tender linguine, rich ground beef, and a creamy garlic butter sauce loaded with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors that both adults and kids will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz linguine

Meat

1 pound ground beef

Dairy & Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream

Seasonings & Garnishes

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Brown Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic in Butter: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked beef back into the skillet with the garlic butter. Add the drained linguine to the skillet, then pour in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and evenly coats the pasta.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cheesy garlic butter linguine with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm for a comforting meal.