This recipe is comfort food with a capital C. You’ve got linguine cooked to al dente perfection, tossed in a garlicky butter sauce, with ground beef that’s seasoned to savory perfection. The cheese? Gooey, melty, and just enough to make you go back for “just one more bite.” It’s quick enough for a weeknight and cozy enough to serve with garlic bread and a salad for guests.
I first made this dish on a cold night when I couldn’t decide between a cheesy pasta or something hearty like a beefy baked ziti. This garlic butter pasta was the best of both worlds. Now it’s on regular rotation—especially on nights when we need comfort fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Flavor bomb – Garlicky, buttery, cheesy, savory perfection.
- Family-friendly – No picky eaters turning this one down.
- Budget-friendly – Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
- Totally customizable – Switch up the pasta, cheese, or protein.
Prep Time and Servings
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories per serving: ~520
- Protein: 28g | Carbs: 40g | Fat: 28g
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine (or any long pasta)
- Salted water, for boiling
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (use lean for less grease)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese & Finishing:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Italian blend
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Extra melted butter or olive oil to drizzle (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook linguine until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Tip: Drizzle the drained pasta with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks (about 7–8 minutes).
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season with Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside or push to one side of the pan while making the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.
- Stir the ground beef into the butter and garlic mixture to combine.
Don’t burn the garlic: You want it golden, not brown—lower heat if needed.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add cooked linguine to the skillet with the beef and garlic butter sauce.
- Toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Cheesy Tip: Want it extra cheesy? Add more mozzarella and cover the pan for a minute to let it get gooey.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Divide into bowls and top with more Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter if you’re feeling extra.
How to Serve
- With garlic bread: You’ve already got garlic going—why stop now?
- With a crisp green salad: Something lemony or with a light vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Topped with red chili flakes or crushed croutons for added texture.
- As a baked version: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes for a melty top layer.
Additional Tips
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor—pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.
- Lean ground beef = less grease and a lighter overall dish.
- Add veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to bulk it up.
- Make it creamy: Add ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese to the garlic butter sauce for a creamy twist.
- Double the batch and save leftovers—they reheat beautifully.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes to the garlic butter and use pepper jack cheese.
- Chicken version: Swap ground beef for ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free linguine and check that your cheeses are GF-safe.
- Low-carb version: Serve the beef and garlic butter over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Make it Tex-Mex: Season beef with taco seasoning and add cheddar + a dollop of sour cream on top.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Microwave with a splash of water or broth, or reheat in a skillet over low heat until warm and melty.
- Freezer: Not recommended—cheesy pasta tends to change texture when frozen.
Special Equipment
- Large nonstick or cast iron skillet for cooking everything in one pan.
- Tongs to toss the pasta evenly with the sauce and cheese.
- Box grater for freshly grated Parmesan and melty mozzarella.
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne all work well.
Can I make it without cheese?
You can skip the cheese for a lighter garlic butter pasta with beef—still delicious.
What if I want it creamier?
Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream just before adding the cheese.
Can I add tomato sauce?
Sure! Stir in ½ cup of marinara or crushed tomatoes for a garlicky meat sauce version.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms or meatless crumbles.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Ground Beef is your answer to “What’s for dinner?” when you need something fast, filling, and totally comforting. It’s rich, satisfying, and comes together with pantry staples—aka the kind of recipe you’ll want to print out and stick to the fridge.
Make it once and don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly regular. And if you try it, I’d love to hear how you served it—snap a photo and tag me so I can drool over your cheesy pasta creations!
