Beef and Pasta with Browned Butter and Sage
Ingredients
- 1 poundground beef
- 12 ouncespasta
- 4 tablespoonsbutter
- ·fresh sage
- 3 clovesgarlic
- 1yellow onion
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ·parmesan cheese
Prep
- 01
Dice 1 medium yellow onion.
- 02
Mince 3 cloves garlic.
- 03
Chop a small handful of fresh sage leaves (about 8–10 leaves).
- 04
Grate parmesan cheese for serving.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- 02
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- 03
Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- 04
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 05
In a small skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 4–5 minutes. Set aside.
- 06
Toss the cooked pasta with the browned beef and onions. Drizzle the browned butter and sage over top, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir gently to coat.
- 07
Serve immediately, topped with grated parmesan cheese.
Spice Tips
This recipe is mild and family-friendly as written. For warmth, finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the browned butter. For earthiness, add 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano to the beef as it cooks.
Browned butter elevates simple ground beef pasta into something special. If fresh sage isn't available, use 1/2 teaspoon dried sage, though fresh is worth seeking out.