Ingredients for Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti in Cheddar Cream Sauce
12 ounces spaghetti
1 pound lean ground beef
3 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti in Cheddar Cream Sauce Step by Step
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until perfectly al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned completely. Drain excess grease, then season with onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add butter and minced garlic directly into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir constantly for one minute until the garlic smells fragrant and the butter melts fully.
- Pour the heavy cream and milk into the skillet, stirring gently to combine everything together. Let the sauce simmer for several minutes before adding shredded cheddar cheese gradually until smooth.
- Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet and toss carefully until every noodle becomes coated in creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti in Cheddar Cream Sauce seems too thick.
- Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta and serve immediately while warm. The creamy sauce tastes best fresh from the skillet when the cheese remains silky and smooth.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti in Cheddar Cream Sauce
- Grate cheddar cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese because freshly grated cheese melts much more smoothly.
- Simmer the sauce gently over low heat to prevent the dairy from separating during cooking.
- Toast the garlic in butter for only one minute because overcooked garlic creates bitterness inside creamy sauces.
- Stir one spoonful of cream cheese into the sauce before adding the spaghetti for extra richness and texture.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti in Cheddar Cream Sauce
Serve this creamy spaghetti with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a balanced dinner everyone will enjoy. The fresh salad adds brightness that pairs perfectly with the rich cheddar sauce and buttery beef.
For another comforting meal idea, serve smaller portions beside roasted vegetables or grilled mushrooms. You can also enjoy this pasta with Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta and Homemade Beef Alfredo Bake for delicious comfort-food dinners during the week.
How to Store Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti in Cheddar Cream Sauce
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat slowly in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to restore the creamy sauce texture.
For freezing, place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop to keep the cheddar sauce smooth and flavorful.
