why make this recipe
This dish is simple, rich, and fills the house with garlic and cheese smells. It mixes browned beef, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and elbow macaroni for a meal most people like. It is quick to cook and uses common ingredients.
introduction
This recipe shows how to make Rich Garlic Parmesan Beef with Elbow Macaroni in one skillet for the sauce and a pot for the pasta. It is easy for weeknights and feels like comfort food. If you like other creamy beef pasta dishes, try a similar idea like creamy cajun beef spaghetti for a spicy twist.
how to make Rich Garlic Parmesan Beef with Elbow Macaroni
Start by preparing the pasta and cooking the beef, then make a garlic Parmesan cream sauce and mix all together.
You can adapt the sauce thickness with the reserved pasta water or beef broth. If you want a different pasta or chicken instead of beef, see a related recipe like creamy cajun chicken rotini for ideas on swapping proteins and pasta shapes.
Ingredients :
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil (optional if beef is lean)
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
12 oz elbow macaroni
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup beef broth (or pasta water)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra creaminess)
2 oz cream cheese, softened
Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Extra Parmesan (optional garnish)
Cracked black pepper (optional garnish)
Directions :
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Drain excess grease and set beef aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Add Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add cooked macaroni and ground beef back into the skillet. Toss gently until everything is coated in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Serve hot with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper on top.
how to serve Rich Garlic Parmesan Beef with Elbow Macaroni
Serve hot straight from the pan. Put a scoop on each plate and add extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. This goes well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich sauce.
how to store Rich Garlic Parmesan Beef with Elbow Macaroni
Let the dish cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between heating.
tips to make Rich Garlic Parmesan Beef with Elbow Macaroni
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce without losing flavor.
- If your beef is lean, you can skip the olive oil. If it is fatty, drain the grease well.
- Warm the cream and broth gently; do not boil hard once cheese is added to avoid grainy sauce.
- For extra garlic flavor, add a little garlic powder with the seasonings.
variation (if any)
- Swap elbow macaroni for penne, rotini, or shells.
- Use ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of beef.
- Add cooked mushrooms or spinach for more veggies.
- Stir in red pepper flakes for heat, or use smoked gouda for a smoky cheese note.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead and reheat?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or pasta water.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream or milk?
A: You can, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. Add a little flour or a small amount of cream cheese to help thicken if needed.
Q: How do I stop the sauce from breaking?
A: Heat the sauce gently and avoid boiling after the cheese is added. Stir often and use medium-low heat.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Freezing is not ideal because the cream sauce can change texture. If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and reheat slowly, but taste and texture may differ.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch more smoked paprika.
Conclusion
For another take on garlic and Parmesan with beef and pasta, see the related Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta – The Country Cook recipe for more ideas and tips.
Rich Garlic Parmesan Beef with Elbow Macaroni
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil (if using) and add ground beef. Cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Drain excess grease and set beef aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Add Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked macaroni and ground beef back into the skillet. Toss gently until everything is coated in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper.