If you’re craving comfort food with a punch of flavor and a creamy, savory sauce, you’ll fall head over heels for Garlic Beef Pasta. This one-pan wonder brings together tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and the irresistible aroma of fresh garlic—all blanketed in a luscious, cheesy sauce. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress friends with minimal effort, Garlic Beef Pasta will absolutely become your new go-to, with each bite delivering warmth, richness, and just the right pop of garlicky goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Good news: you probably have most of these easy, crowd-pleasing ingredients in your kitchen already! Each one plays a starring role—whether it’s creating that addictive creaminess, bringing depth to the sauce, or adding a hint of heat. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): Shaped pastas like penne or rotini soak up the sauce perfectly and hold every little bit of beef and cheese.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a silky base for browning the beef and boosting flavor.
1 pound ground beef: The heart of the dish, offering satisfying savory bites in every forkful.
4 cloves garlic (minced): The real flavor hero! Fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with warmth and depth.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the meat’s flavor and adds subtle sweetness.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Delivers that classic herby background note everyone loves in pasta dishes.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Just enough heat to keep things interesting—add more or less to taste.
Salt and pepper to taste: Because perfect seasoning makes every ingredient shine.
1/2 cup beef broth: Deepens the flavor and creates a saucy foundation without heaviness.
1/2 cup heavy cream: The key to that luxurious, glossy sauce that coats every pasta twist.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into dreamy, creamy pools throughout the pasta.
Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of freshness and inviting color right before serving.

How to Make Garlic Beef Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your penne or rotini and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions. Don’t overcook—the pasta will finish heating later in the sauce! Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. You’ll want to let it get beautifully browned for the deepest flavor. If there’s excess fat, drain it off carefully so your Garlic Beef Pasta isn’t greasy.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Spices

Sprinkle in the minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook everything together for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly—this wakes up the spices and makes your kitchen smell incredible!

Step 4: Add Broth & Simmer

Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (those bits = pure flavor). Let it bubble for 2 to 3 minutes to deepen the taste and create a savory base.

Step 5: Make it Creamy & Cheesy

Reduce the heat a little and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella. As the cheeses melt and the cream blends with the broth, your sauce will thicken up and turn oh-so velvety—this is what sets Garlic Beef Pasta apart.

Step 6: Finish with Pasta & Toss

Add your drained pasta right into the skillet with the sauce and toss everything together. Let it cook for another minute or two, just until the noodles are coated and everything’s piping hot. Garnish with parsley and dive in while it’s at its ooey-gooey best!

How to Serve Garlic Beef Pasta

Garnishes

A shower of fresh chopped parsley brings a bright contrast to the rich sauce, and a little extra grated Parmesan on top makes it irresistible. For special occasions, a few turns of cracked black pepper or even a sprinkle of chili flakes add both color and pop.

Side Dishes

Pair your Garlic Beef Pasta with crisp garlic bread or a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette—these sides keep the meal balanced and let the pasta shine. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus also make fresh, colorful additions on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, serve the pasta in a big family-style bowl so everyone can help themselves. Try topping each serving with a soft-poached egg, or layer leftovers in a small baking dish, cover with extra cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden “pasta bake.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Beef Pasta? Lucky you! Let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will deepen even more by day two—just what weeknight dinners dream of!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully thanks to the creamy sauce. Portion extra pasta into freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture (and to avoid a soggy noodle situation).

Reheating

For best results, reheat Garlic Beef Pasta gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each zap to keep everything smooth and melty.

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Beef Pasta gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta—everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy all the flavor, no worries.

What other meats can I use besides ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken both work wonderfully if you’re looking for a lighter take. You can even use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that still satisfies like classic Garlic Beef Pasta.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Toss in sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or bell peppers when you add the garlic for extra nutrition, color, and flavor. It’s a great way to stretch the recipe or sneak in more veggies for picky eaters.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish a day ahead. Store in the fridge, then gently reheat before serving—just add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy and fresh-tasting.

Can I make Garlic Beef Pasta in one pot?

For even easier cleanup, you can cook the beef and sauce in one pot, then add the boiled pasta. If your pot is large enough, some people even cook the pasta right in the sauce by adding extra broth—just watch the liquid and adjust as needed!

Final Thoughts

Now you’re ready to bring Garlic Beef Pasta into your kitchen—trust me, your friends and family will thank you. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a lively dinner party, this dish is all about big flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and get ready to make everyone at your table ask for seconds!

Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Garlic Beef Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef in a rich garlic and cheese sauce. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)

Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Mixture: Brown ground beef in olive oil, add garlic, seasonings, and broth. Simmer, then add cream and cheeses.
Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, heat through, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.