There’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting dish of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef to satisfy your cravings after a long day. This creamy pasta dish is a symphony of flavors, combining tender penne pasta with succulent ground beef cooked in rich garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why We Love This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
This dish is a favorite for many reasons. First and foremost, its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The crowd-pleasing combination of flavors and textures makes it great for any occasion, from casual family meals to more festive gatherings.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spiciness or incorporate various vegetables to cater to your family’s preferences. Additionally, its creamy garlic butter sauce and cheesy goodness offer a fulfilling experience that leaves you craving more. Coupling that with the lively aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks adds to the magic of this dish.
Ingredients about Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
To recreate this scrumptious meal, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Directions
Making Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is an engaging experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. This pasta generally takes around 10-12 minutes to achieve a perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. You’ll want to sauté the garlic for about a minute until it becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it burn, as that can affect the flavor.
Next, incorporate the ground beef into the skillet. As the beef starts to brown, break it apart with a spatula to ensure it cooks evenly. This process usually takes around 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat, if necessary.
Now it’s time to season the beef. Sprinkle it with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and, if you like a bit of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything well to combine the flavors harmoniously.
Lower the heat slightly and pour in the beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Give this mixture a good stir to blend it all together, allowing it to simmer gently for a few minutes. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Once the sauce is bubbling, it’s time to add the drained penne pasta into the skillet. Toss the pasta gently to ensure it gets evenly coated in that luscious sauce you’ve created. It should look creamy and inviting.
To take this dish up a notch, gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. As you do this, the cheese will melt, and the sauce will thicken, creating a rich and delightful coating on the pasta.
For the grand finale, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help the mozzarella melt into a gooey perfection, making every bite absolutely irresistible.
Lastly, before serving, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. This will not only add a pop of color but also provide a refreshing flavor that complements the creamy dish beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Serving Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef can be as simple or fancy as you like. For a casual family meal, simply ladle the pasta into generous bowls. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread to elevate the dining experience further. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider using a large serving dish to present the pasta. Sprinkle extra herbs or cheese on top while garnishing to impress your guests visually. Offering a few sides, like steamed vegetables or a warm crusty loaf of bread, will round out the meal beautifully.
As for beverages, a light soda or lemonade works well for casual meals. For more formal gatherings, consider offering sparkling water with a wedge of lemon for a sophisticated touch. No matter how you choose to serve it, this dish is bound to be the star of your table.
Expert Tips: Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
To elevate your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef to the next level, here are some expert tips for success:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality ground beef and fresh cheese for the best-tasting results. Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the flavor.
- Customize the Heat: If you enjoy a kick, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can add fresh vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently after adding the broth and cream. This helps develop rich, deep flavors that will make your dish truly memorable.
- Use the Right Pasta: While penne is an excellent choice for this dish, you can experiment with other pasta shapes, like rigatoni or ziti, for different textures.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor. Don’t skimp on the parsley or consider adding fresh basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
If you find yourself with leftovers—if you can resist finishing it all in one sitting—storing Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is quite easy. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, and it should last for about two to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
To retain moisture, adding a splash of milk or broth while reheating can help revive the creamy consistency.
Variation of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
One of the best parts about cooking is the ability to adapt recipes according to your preferences. Here are a few delightful variations of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef you might consider:
- Vegetarian Style: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils for a satisfying vegetarian alternative. The creamy sauce still pairs beautifully with these ingredients.
- Chicken Alfredo: Swap the beef with cooked and shredded chicken breast for a lighter twist. This variation maintains the delicious heartiness without the richness of ground beef.
- Spicy Sausage: Replace the ground beef with spicy Italian sausage for a flavorful kick. This variation adds a unique depth to the dish while pairing excellently with the cream sauce.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them along with the garlic for a colorful and healthy addition.
- Cheese Lovers Delight: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Mixing cheddar or gouda can add an exciting twist to the dish, enhancing the flavor profile beyond the classic combination.
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the garlic.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Sauté until fragrant.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional for added heat.
Cream and Cheeses
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese For rich flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For topping.
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparing Pasta
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it apart as it browns, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the beef with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well.
Making the Sauce
- Lower the heat slightly and pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for a few minutes.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce.
- Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.
Final Touch
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, cover with a lid, and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
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