Description
A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring garlic butter, savory ground beef, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and hearty recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with the garlic butter. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Mix until cheese melts and coats the pasta.
- Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for added spice.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
Mix in mozzarella or fontina for extra cheesiness.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water or butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
