Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti

This Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort meal, combining the rich, savory depth of a slow-simmered meat sauce with the smooth indulgence of garlic butter cream pasta. It’s a luxurious twist on classic Italian flavors and makes a satisfying, restaurant-style dinner perfect for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two Incredible Sauces in One Meal: Hearty beef bolognese paired with creamy garlic butter spaghetti is a flavor dream.

• Rich and Comforting: A filling, soul-warming dish with classic Italian herbs and creamy textures.

• Perfect for Entertaining: Elegant enough to impress guests, yet simple enough for a cozy family dinner.

• Customizable: Easy to modify with other meats, veggies, or pasta shapes.

• Balanced Meal: Offers both protein and carbs, satisfying and complete in one plate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the beef bolognese:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the garlic butter spaghetti:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Make the Bolognese Sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
   Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
   Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
   Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, and basil. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Cook the Spaghetti:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
   Season with salt and pepper. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

4. Assemble the Dish:
   Serve creamy garlic butter spaghetti on a plate or bowl. Spoon beef bolognese sauce generously over the top.
   Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use Ground Turkey or Pork: For a lighter or different flavor profile.

• Spice it Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.

• Add Veggies: Sauté diced carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini with the onion for extra nutrition.

• Cheesy Upgrade: Add more Parmesan or even mozzarella for extra indulgence.

• Pasta Swap: Use linguine, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta as desired.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the beef and pasta separately on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauces.
This dish can be frozen, though the cream sauce may change texture slightly. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the Bolognese ahead of time?

Yes, the bolognese can be made up to 3 days in advance. It actually tastes better after the flavors have developed.

Is this recipe very heavy?

It’s rich, but balanced. You can lighten it by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reducing cheese.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

Yes, though homemade gives more depth. Choose a high-quality marinara or meat sauce if using jarred.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A medium-bodied red like Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon complements it beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe scales well for larger gatherings or meal prep.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Spaghetti works well, but you can also use fettuccine or bucatini for more texture.

How do I keep the pasta from clumping?

Toss the pasta with a little olive oil or sauce immediately after draining.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s mild and cheesy—most kids love the flavor.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and adds better flavor.

What herbs can I add on top?

Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano all complement the dish nicely.

Conclusion

Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti is a rich and comforting dish that combines two classic sauces in a delicious harmony. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal to impress, this recipe brings together bold flavors, satisfying textures, and elegant presentation in under an hour. It’s sure to be a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4–6
• Category: Dinner, Pasta

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Description

This Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti is a rich and satisfying twist on a classic pasta dish. Savory meat sauce paired with luscious garlic butter spaghetti creates the perfect comfort food combo for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

For the Beef Bolognese:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Spaghetti:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

• Cook the Bolognese:
  In a skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

• Simmer Sauce:
  Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

• Cook the Spaghetti:
  Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

• Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
  In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, cooking until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

• Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  Toss the cooked spaghetti in the garlic butter sauce until evenly coated.

• Serve:
  Plate the garlic butter spaghetti and top with generous spoonfuls of beef Bolognese. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.

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Notes

• Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

• Both sauces can be made ahead and reheated for easy meal prep.