Creamy Garlic Beef is a rich, savory dish that’s full of tender, flavorful beef cooked in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce. The combination of the rich beef, aromatic garlic, and creamy sauce creates a comforting and indulgent meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious meal that’s both comforting and elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Beef is packed with flavor and has a rich, velvety texture thanks to the creamy sauce. The garlic sauce is incredibly aromatic and coats the beef in a delicious, savory layer that enhances the natural richness of the meat. It’s a one-pan dish that’s easy to make yet feels like a gourmet meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!

Creamy Garlic Beef

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the beef:

1 lb beef (sirloin, flank steak, or stew meat)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the creamy garlic sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added depth)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if preferred)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the beef:

Season the beef: Start by slicing the beef into thin strips or bite-sized pieces (if using sirloin or flank steak). Season the beef with salt and pepper on both sides.
Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches (if needed) to avoid overcrowding the pan. Brown the beef on all sides for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Make the creamy garlic sauce:

Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Create the sauce: Add the heavy cream, beef broth, Dijon mustard (if using), and thyme to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add cheese and butter: Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese (if using) to create a richer, creamier sauce. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and well-combined.

Combine the beef and sauce:

Return the beef: Add the cooked beef back into the skillet, stirring to coat it in the creamy garlic sauce. Let the beef simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes until fully heated through and tender.
Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme, as needed.

Serve:

Garnish and enjoy: Serve the creamy garlic beef over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the dish. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream.
Spicy Version: For some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the sauce.
Use Different Cuts of Beef: While sirloin and flank steak work well, you can also use ground beef, stew meat, or tenderloin for different textures and flavors.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover creamy garlic beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s consistency.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a little more broth or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can use chicken breast or thighs instead of beef. Cook the chicken in the same way, adjusting the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the pieces.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time. Just store the creamy garlic beef in the refrigerator and reheat it gently when ready to serve. You may need to add a little extra broth or cream when reheating to bring the sauce back to the right consistency.

3. Can I use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or milk as a substitute, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy. For a thicker consistency, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the mixture.

4. Can I add other herbs to the sauce?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other herbs such as rosemary, basil, or oregano to suit your taste.

5. How do I make this dish spicier?

To add spice, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a chopped jalapeño to the sauce. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.

6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. Brown the beef in a skillet and then transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the garlic, cream, broth, and seasoning, and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the beef is tender. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese before serving.

7. Can I serve this over pasta?

Yes, this creamy garlic beef is perfect over pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. The creamy sauce will cling to the pasta beautifully.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for a different flavor profile, though the taste will vary slightly.

9. Can I make this recipe with ground beef?

Yes, ground beef works well in this recipe. Brown the ground beef first, then proceed with the garlic and cream sauce.

10. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer it longer, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water, or incorporate a bit of cream cheese for added richness.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Beef is a simple, indulgent dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. The tender beef, infused with garlic and simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, is a delicious and comforting meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. This recipe is quick to make, customizable, and perfect for any night of the week when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful.

Creamy Garlic Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients