Name: Savory Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Ground Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb linguine pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

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Introduction

Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes that leave you feeling unsatisfied? Look no further than our Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef. This mouthwatering recipe is a game-changer, combining the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky goodness with the rich, satisfying flavors of ground beef. Whether you’re a pasta aficionado or simply seeking a new culinary adventure, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Ingredients List

1 lb linguine pasta
1 lb ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

Substitute ideas: You can use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef. For a vegetarian option, replace the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms or diced eggplant. Swap the Parmesan cheese for a blend of Italian cheeses, such as mozzarella and Asiago. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.

Timing

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes, which is 10% faster than the average pasta recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the softened butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

4. Assemble the Dish

Add the cooked linguine, ground beef, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Divide the Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef among plates or bowls, and serve hot. Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 670 per serving
Total Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 870mg
Total Carbohydrates: 51g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make this dish healthier, you can try the following modifications:

Use whole-wheat linguine or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta for a boost of fiber and reduced carbohydrates.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to reduce the overall fat and calorie content.
Use low-fat or reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to cut down on the saturated fat.
Increase the amount of fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme, to add more antioxidants and reduce the need for salt.
Serve the dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the meal and provide additional nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef pairs perfectly with a fresh, crisp salad or a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus. For a heartier meal, you can serve it with a crusty garlic bread or a side of roasted potatoes. To make it a complete Italian feast, consider adding a glass of red wine and finishing the meal with a decadent tiramisu or cannoli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the pasta: Keep a close eye on the linguine and cook it until it’s al dente, not mushy. Overcooked pasta can become gummy and absorb too much sauce.

2. Using low-quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality ground beef, fresh garlic, and real Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

3. Not adjusting the seasoning: Taste the dish as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your personal preference. The right seasoning can make all the difference.

4. Rushing the sauce: Take the time to let the garlic butter sauce simmer and thicken for the best creamy consistency. Rushing this step can result in a thin, watery sauce.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of heavy cream or milk to help reconstitute the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and tossing the components together. This will help maintain the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Elevate your pasta game with this irresistible Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef. The rich, creamy sauce, the tender ground beef, and the al dente linguine come together to create a dish that will have your family and friends raving. Give it a try today, and don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments section or on our social media channels. Bon appétit!

FAQs

A: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of linguine?

Absolutely! While linguine is the classic choice for this recipe, you can substitute other long, thin pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne or rigatoni. The cooking time may vary slightly, so be sure to follow the package instructions.

B: Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free as it uses traditional wheat-based linguine pasta. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta variety, such as rice, quinoa, or chickpea-based pasta.

C: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare certain components of the recipe in advance to save time on the day of serving. Cook the ground beef and make the garlic butter sauce up to 3 days ahead, and store them separately in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, simply reheat the sauce, toss with the cooked pasta and beef, and serve.

D: Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! To add a little more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes added to the garlic butter sauce. Alternatively, you can swap the ground beef for hot Italian sausage or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the final dish.

E: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, diced eggplant, or a plant-based meat alternative. To make it vegan, use a dairy-free butter and replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.