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If you love comfort food that wraps you in a warm, cheesy embrace, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Ground Beef Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine perfectly cooked linguine drenched in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce, combined with savory ground beef, and topped with a glorious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare yet delivers big on flavor, making every bite a luscious, satisfying experience you’ll want to share with anyone who appreciates hearty, cheesy indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component brings its own magic to the plate—the linguine for that perfect al dente texture, the ground beef for robust savory flavor, and the combination of butter, garlic, cream, and cheeses for a sauce you’ll dream about.
- 12 oz linguine pasta: Provides an ideal long noodle that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds a hearty, meaty base that makes this dish a full meal.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Offers a rich, silky mouthfeel to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor that’s essential in any garlic butter sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just the right hint of heat for a subtle kick.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, luscious sauce with the perfect amount of creaminess.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, salty notes that balance the richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives a melty, gooey texture that’s oh so satisfying.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor at the end.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine Perfectly
Start by boiling your linguine according to the package directions. Cooking it to al dente is key so the noodles have a slight bite and don’t get mushy. Once done, drain the pasta but be sure to save half a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will be your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce consistency later. Set the linguine aside for now.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, add your ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. This step takes about 5 to 7 minutes and is crucial for building the hearty savory base. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks to bring out the meat’s natural flavors. When it’s fully cooked and beautifully browned, scoop the beef out and set aside.
Step 3: Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble gently, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. The aroma at this point should fill your kitchen and hint at the deliciousness to come.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes to begin thickening the sauce, stirring occasionally. This step gives you that luscious, silky texture that coats every strand of linguine.
Step 5: Add Cheeses and Seasoning
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses, whisking until the sauce is smooth and velvety. At this point, taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. The cheese melts perfectly, creating a dreamy, cheesy sauce you’ll want to dive into right away.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Beef, and Sauce
Add your cooked linguine and browned ground beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to ensure each bite is coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency. This will help the sauce cling wonderfully to the noodles.
Step 7: Serve Immediately and Garnish
Once everything is combined and heated through, serve this delicious cheesy garlic butter linguine right away. The final touch is a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, adding a burst of color and freshness to the hearty dish.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic way to elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise. You might also love adding a little extra grated Parmesan on top for that delightful cheesy finish. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few more red pepper flakes can add extra zing.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best alongside simple, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, while some toasted garlic bread makes for a satisfying crunch. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add a lovely, healthy balance to the richness of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the linguine in large shallow bowls to help keep all the sauce contained and allow your guests to easily dig in. You can also portion the dish into individual ramekins and bake briefly to create a bubbly, golden crust on top. The contrast between crispy cheese and creamy pasta is unbeatable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Ground Beef Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for later longer than a few days, it freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the cream-based sauce might separate slightly on thawing, but a good stir and gentle reheating will bring it back to life.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or milk to restore the creamy texture. Microwave reheating works too—just heat in short intervals and stir frequently to avoid drying out or overheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well in this recipe, though it cooks a bit faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to avoid dryness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Ground Beef Recipe?
You can skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives instead. They’ll provide similar depth and texture while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While the creamy cheese sauce is key to this dish’s charm, you can substitute with dairy-free butter, cream, and cheese alternatives. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Parmesan and mozzarella are classic here because they marry sharpness with meltiness. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Fontina or Pecorino for a unique twist.
How spicy is this dish with crushed red pepper flakes?
The heat is quite mild and adjustable depending on how much you add. Start with a small pinch and increase if you prefer a spicier kick. It’s totally optional but recommended for a subtle layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Ground Beef Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It is comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you crave cheesy, beefy goodness. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again, sharing it with friends or family, and savoring every rich, buttery bite.
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Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A rich and creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta combined with savory ground beef, offering a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This dish features al dente linguine tossed in a garlic-infused butter and cream sauce, loaded with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and topped with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt butter: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, ensuring the pan is properly coated.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Melt cheeses: Gradually add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Combine pasta and beef: Add the cooked linguine and browned ground beef into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency without thinning flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- For extra heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic when sautéing as it can become bitter.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
