One bite of garlic beef pasta, and I knew I had a winner on my hands. The creamy, cheesy sauce paired with the savory ground beef and perfectly cooked pasta? Simply irresistible. The best part is, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it my go-to dinner when I want something comforting but fuss-free.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked for the recipe after serving it to friends and family. It’s rich in flavor, super satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a casual dinner party, this dish earns rave reviews every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Making garlic beef pasta comes with several perks. Here’s why it’s bound to become a household favorite:
1. Quick and Easy to Make
Busy days call for recipes that don’t require hours in the kitchen. This dish takes just 30 minutes to whip up! You don’t need complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything is simple yet so delicious.
2. Packed with Flavor
From the bold garlic aroma to the creamy richness of the cheese, every bite is a flavor explosion. The Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning elevate the beef, making it taste like it came straight from an upscale Italian restaurant.
3. Perfect for Picky Eaters
Everyone loves pasta, right? Whether it’s your kids, a fussy eater, or someone craving comfort food, this dish caters to all tastes. You can leave it simple or add veggies to sneak in some nutrients.
4. Easy to Customize
Have dietary restrictions? No problem! Making it dairy-free or throwing in some extra ingredients like mushrooms or spinach is a breeze. You can adjust it according to whatever you have at home.
5. Great for Meal Prep
This pasta stays just as tasty when reheated, making it excellent for leftovers. Cook a big batch, split it into portions, and enjoy hassle-free lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Cooking Time
Here’s how quickly your garlic beef pasta will be ready to serve:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious meal:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ pound Rotini pasta
Variations and Equipment Needed
Want to tweak the recipe to suit your needs? Here are some ideas:
Ingredient Variations
- Dairy-Free: Replace the half and half with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrients.
- Flavor Boost: Toss in crushed red pepper for a spicy kick or stir in some fresh basil.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – for cooking the ground beef and sauce.
- Pasta pot – to boil your pasta to perfection.
- Wooden spoon – for stirring the sauce.
- Cheese grater – if shredding your cheese fresh (highly recommended!).
How to Make Garlic Beef Pasta?
This simple, mouthwatering dish comes together in a few easy steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef 🍖
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook and crumble the beef until it’s browned, and the onions are soft. Drain the excess grease, stir in the minced garlic, and cook for another minute, letting that delicious aroma fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Build the Sauce 🥫
Sprinkle the flour, salt, and Italian seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir everything together, letting the flour cook off its raw taste for about 3 minutes. Next, pour in the Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta 🍝
While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta following the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Touch 🧀
Back to the sauce! Slowly stir in the half and half, reducing the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it melts into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Serve 🍽️
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is well coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired. Enjoy! 😋💛
Tips for Making the Recipe
Follow these handy tips for a foolproof dish every time:
- Use Fresh-Grated Cheese
Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate fresh cheddar for the best results. - Room-Temperature Dairy
Cold half and half can cause the sauce to curdle. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before adding. - Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cook your pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. - Season as You Go
Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasoning to suit your preference. A pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can make a big difference.
How to Serve Garlic Beef Pasta?
Presentation is key to making this comforting meal even more inviting. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Pair your pasta with warm, crispy garlic bread or a green side salad for a complete meal.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over each plate for a restaurant-quality finish.
- For a cozy dinner presentation, serve in wide bowls with some extra sauce ladled on top.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 668
- Protein: 55g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 23g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is amazing for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
Want to save it for another week? Freeze the pasta in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as mentioned earlier.
Garlic beef pasta is a dish that never disappoints. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for convenient meals, you’ll love how easy and delicious it is. Give it a try, and get ready to add this recipe to your permanent rotation!
Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe
One bite of garlic beef pasta, and I knew I had a winner on my hands. The creamy, cheesy sauce paired with the savory ground beef and perfectly cooked pasta? Simply irresistible. The best part is, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it my go-to dinner when I want something comforting but fuss-free.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ pound Rotini pasta
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook and crumble the beef until it’s browned, and the onions are soft. Drain the excess grease, stir in the minced garlic, and cook for another minute, letting that delicious aroma fill your kitchen.
- Sprinkle the flour, salt, and Italian seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir everything together, letting the flour cook off its raw taste for about 3 minutes. Next, pour in the Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta following the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Back to the sauce! Slowly stir in the half and half, reducing the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it melts into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is well coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh-Grated CheesePre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate fresh cheddar for the best results.
- Room-Temperature DairyCold half and half can cause the sauce to curdle. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before adding.
- Don’t Overcook the PastaCook your pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Season as You GoTaste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasoning to suit your preference. A pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can make a big difference.
