Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy pasta has become my absolute go-to for a quick and incredibly satisfying weeknight dinner. I remember the first time I made it, the aroma of garlic and butter filling my kitchen was just heavenly. It was so simple, yet tasted like something from a fancy restaurant! My family devoured it, and now it’s a staple. This recipe is so easy, it feels like a cheat code for a delicious meal. If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of garlic butter beef with cheese that’s both budget-friendly and family-approved, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy
- The taste is absolutely divine – a perfect harmony of savory beef, rich garlic butter, and melted cheese.
- It’s incredibly quick to make, with minimal prep and cook time, perfect for busy weeknights.
- While decadent, it offers a good balance of protein and carbs, making it a satisfying main course.
- This dish is wonderfully budget-friendly, using common pantry staples and affordable ground beef.
- It’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family, from picky eaters to adults.
- The sauce is luxuriously creamy garlic butter beef and cheese, coating every bite of pasta.
- You’ll adore how this quick recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting bowl of creamy garlic butter beef and cheese.
Ingredients for Your Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Pasta
Gather these simple ingredients for an unforgettable garlic butter beef cheese dinner. This recipe is designed to create a luscious garlic butter beef cheese sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
- 1 pound ground beef – a good quality, lean ground beef is key
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – the star of our garlic butter flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is best
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – essential for that rich, buttery base
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – creates the luscious, creamy texture
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a salty, nutty depth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for that irresistible cheesy pull
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked – al dente is perfect
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – adds a pop of freshness and color
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy
Get ready for a truly delicious experience with this straightforward recipe. Making this garlic butter beef cheese skillet dish is simpler than you think, and the results are incredibly rewarding.
- Step 1: Start by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s nicely browned. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add the 1 tablespoon olive oil and the 4 cloves garlic, minced to the same skillet with the beef. Sauté for just about 1 minute until you can really smell that amazing garlic fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it can become bitter.
- Step 3: Stir in the 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. This helps season the beef and aromatics perfectly.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Now, it’s time for the magic! Add the 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup heavy cream to the skillet. Stir everything gently until the butter is completely melted and the sauce starts to look smooth and creamy. The aroma at this point is incredible!
- Step 5: Stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, making it even richer. This step truly elevates the whole dish.
- Step 6: Add the 12 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked, and the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated in the glorious garlic butter cheese sauce and the cheddar has melted into gooey perfection. This is where your garlic butter beef cheese skillet truly comes alive.
- Step 7: Serve this delightful garlic butter beef cheesy pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy
Want to elevate your garlic butter beef cheese dish from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that make a huge difference. These tips will help ensure your meal is perfect every single time.
- Always use freshly minced garlic; pre-minced often lacks the punch.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasonings (salt and pepper) before adding the pasta and cheese.
- For an extra decadent flavor, use a mix of cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella along with cheddar.
What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy?
The secret to truly perfect juicy garlic butter beef cheese lies in building layers of flavor. Start with good quality beef, don’t rush browning it, and use fresh garlic. The combination of butter and cream creates a luxurious sauce that’s key. For more on building flavor in cooking, check out this guide on flavor profiles.
Can I make Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh just before combining it with the sauce and cheese for the best texture and melt.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy?
A common pitfall is burning the garlic; sauté it briefly until fragrant, not brown. Another mistake is overcooking the pasta, making it mushy. Also, ensure you drain the beef fat thoroughly before adding the garlic and butter to avoid a greasy sauce. Learn more about proper cooking techniques for ground beef.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy
This rich and comforting garlic butter beef cheese pasta is fantastic on its own, but serving it with a few simple complements can really make it shine. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or even a casual get-together. Here are some of my favorite garlic butter beef cheese ideas for pairing.
For a complete meal, consider serving this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad cuts beautifully through the richness of the pasta. Steamed or roasted broccoli or asparagus also make wonderful side dishes, adding a healthy dose of vegetables. A side of crusty garlic bread is always a welcome addition, perfect for soaking up any extra delicious sauce! If you’re looking for more side dish inspiration, explore these side dish pairings.
Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious garlic butter beef cheesy pasta dish. It’s a hearty meal, so keep these numbers in mind!
- Calories: 750
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy
Don’t let any of this deliciousness go to waste! Properly storing and reheating your garlic butter beef cheesy pasta ensures you can enjoy it for days. Once the dish has cooled slightly, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. This is key if you plan to store it like a make-ahead garlic butter beef cheese casserole. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For more on food storage, consult resources on food safety guidelines.
For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, there are a few easy methods. For refrigerated leftovers, you can gently reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave them until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat using one of the methods above. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy
Can I use a different type of beef?
Absolutely! While ground beef is fantastic for this recipe, you could also use ground turkey or even ground chicken for a lighter version. Some people even experiment with thinly sliced steak for a more “cheesy steak” vibe, though the texture will be different. The core flavor of garlic butter cheese remains the same! For other beef recipes, check out this Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos recipe.
How do I make garlic butter beef cheesy with less fat?
To reduce fat, opt for leaner ground beef (like 90/10 or 93/7) and drain it very well. You can also use a lighter cream or even milk, though it might not be as rich. Using less butter and relying more on the cheese for richness can also help. Remember, the goal is still a decadent flavor!
What pasta is best for this cheesy garlic butter steak recipe?
Bowtie pasta is wonderful because its shape holds the sauce and cheese so well, but feel free to get creative! Penne, rotini, or even rigatoni work great. If you’re going for a “cheesy garlic butter steak recipe” feel, you might even serve the beef mixture over mashed potatoes or rice instead of pasta! Explore other dinner recipes.
Can I add vegetables to this garlic butter beef cheese casserole?
Definitely! This is a fantastic base for adding veggies. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach wilted into the sauce, or even some steamed broccoli florets mixed in can add extra nutrition and flavor. Just add them in during the last few minutes of cooking or stir them in with the pasta and cheese.
Variations of Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy You Can Try
This garlic butter beef cheesy pasta is so versatile, you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs! I love experimenting with different flavors and methods to keep things exciting. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Dietary Swap: For a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables like mushrooms and spinach. This variation still delivers that amazing garlic butter ground beef cheese flavor profile, just with a twist.
- Creamy Tomato Twist: Add a can of diced tomatoes (drained) to the sauce along with the cream and butter. This gives it a subtle tomato undertone and a beautiful pink hue, making it a delicious garlic butter beef and cheese bake variation.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, stir in some red pepper flakes with the garlic, or add a swirl of your favorite hot sauce to the finished dish. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the garlic and cheese perfectly.
- Cheesy Pasta Bake: Instead of just mixing everything in the skillet, transfer the sauced pasta and beef mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Amazing Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy: 1 Pan Meal
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines tender beef, a rich garlic butter sauce, and melted cheese with bowtie pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add olive oil and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and cream to the skillet. Stir until butter is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Add cooked bowtie pasta and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until pasta is coated and cheese is melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
- You can substitute other pasta shapes if desired.
- Ensure the beef is fully cooked before adding other ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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