Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the ground beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Make the garlic butter base
In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Create the sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning if using.
Combine everything
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the drained linguine and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce
- Do not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness
- Add pasta water gradually to control sauce consistency
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture
Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Optional Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken
- Use fettuccine or spaghetti instead of linguine
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat