Description
This garlic butter beef spaghetti in cheddar cream sauce is rich, creamy, cheesy, and comforting. Savory ground beef, garlic butter, and a blend of cheeses create a hearty pasta dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
18 oz spaghetti
1½ lbs ground beef
1½ tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon black pepper
6 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
9 oz processed cheese cubes
6 oz cream cheese
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon onion powder
¾ cup reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in salted water until tender. Reserve ¾ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, draining excess grease if needed.
- Season the beef with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.
- Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the cream cheese and processed cheese cubes until melted and smooth.
- Add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is thick, creamy, and fully combined.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.
- Cook on low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Swap part of the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce.
Other pasta shapes such as penne, fettuccine, rotini, or shells work well in this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 820 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 49 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
