This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a fun and yummy meal! It mixes pasta, ground beef, and lots of cheese, melted together with a touch of garlic butter. What’s not to love?
Cooking this dish is like a big warm hug on a plate! When I’m hungry, I love how quick and easy it is to make. Plus, it fills you up and makes you smile—bonus!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape perfectly holds onto the sauce. If you don’t have penne, feel free to use rigatoni or rotini. Both are great options for capturing all that cheesy goodness!
Ground Beef: I prefer lean ground beef for this dish, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a fun twist, try using Italian sausage for added flavor!
Garlic: Fresh garlic really boosts the flavor here. However, if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too. Just remember that 1 clove of garlic equals about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the star for its melting qualities, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or Gouda if you like a different flavor profile. Just keep the total amount around 1 cup for creaminess.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes this dish rich, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute with whole milk or almond milk. Just know it may change the creaminess a bit!
How Do You Get the Perfect Garlic Flavor Without Burning It?
Getting that delicious garlic flavor without burning it is all about timing and temperature. Garlic can go from nice and fragrant to burnt very quickly, so focus on these tips:
- Use medium-low heat for sautéing garlic. It cooks gently and brings out the sweet flavor.
- Add garlic after the onions are translucent. This way, the onions can mellow before the garlic cooks.
- Keep an eye on it—cook for just 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Then, it’s the perfect base for your sauce!
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll never have burnt garlic again!
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesy penne dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. In that time, you’ll have a warm and satisfying meal ready to serve. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Penne:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Drizzle a bit of olive oil into the skillet and then add the ground beef. Cook the beef, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season it with salt and black pepper as it cooks. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the unsalted butter. After the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté these ingredients for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become fragrant and the onions are translucent.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Next, slowly pour in the heavy cream (or milk) into the skillet, stirring gently to combine it with the garlic butter mixture. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes now. Let this simmer for about 2 minutes to thicken up slightly while mixing occasionally.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet, followed by the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
6. Add the Cheese:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir everything gently until the cheeses melt and form a creamy, cheesy sauce that envelops the pasta and beef.
7. Season and Garnish:
Give the dish a taste, and add extra salt or pepper if needed. Once you’re happy with the seasoning, garnish it with chopped fresh parsley for a lovely touch of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef immediately and enjoy this comforting dish! Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying all by yourself!
FAQ: Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even Italian sausage for extra flavor. Just make sure to fully cook the meat until browned.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat option or use an assortment of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can enhance the flavor with some extra spices!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to cream things up again!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Simply assemble everything, but don’t add the cheese until just before serving. When ready, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted!
