Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
A hearty and comforting dish of pasta, combining tender penne with ground beef in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
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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Notes
For variations, consider substituting ground beef with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version or using spicy sausage for added flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.