Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti
Nothing says comfort food quite like a bowl of pasta topped with a rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce. Add to that a base of creamy garlic butter spaghetti, and you have a cozy, flavor-packed meal that’s just as perfect for weeknight dinners as it is for special occasions. This recipe combines bold, savory beef Bolognese with velvety, cheesy noodles for a dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain, reserving a small amount of the pasta water. Set the cooked spaghetti aside.
2. Prepare the Bolognese Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pan and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned all the way through, about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should become thick and rich as it cooks.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce
While the Bolognese simmers, prepare the creamy spaghetti base.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and aromatic.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water.
4. Combine and Serve
Add the drained spaghetti into the garlic butter cream sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Plate the creamy spaghetti onto serving dishes and spoon generous portions of the Bolognese sauce over the top.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Tips
This dish is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. For a little heat, offer crushed red pepper flakes at the table.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauces smooth and creamy.
Recipe Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or ground pork for the beef if preferred.
- Add a splash of red wine to the Bolognese sauce for extra depth.
- Fresh basil or a bay leaf added while simmering can enhance the flavor even more.
This Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti brings together two comfort food classics into one unforgettable dish. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing dinner guests, this meal is sure to become a favorite at your table.