If there’s one recipe that I can’t get enough of, it’s this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. I first stumbled upon the idea on a weeknight when I wanted something hearty but was short on time. What came out of my kitchen that day was nothing short of magic.
The tender penne, melt-in-your-mouth garlic butter ground beef, and the creamy cascade of cheese blend together into a dish that’s cozy, satisfying, and totally irresistible. My family couldn’t stop raving about it, and, truth be told, I couldn’t either! Whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a meal to impress guests, this dish has quickly become one of my favorites.
Dive in, and I promise you’ll fall in love with every bite. This recipe is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to put together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish has it all! From being quick to make to its irresistible flavors, here’s why you’ll want to add it to your weekly rotation.
Quick Preparation with Maximum Flavor
When life gets busy, quick recipes are lifesavers. This one comes together in just about 30 minutes, yet it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. The garlic butter adds a depth of flavor to the ground beef, and the creamy sauce ties it all together beautifully.
Comfort Food at Its Best
Nothing beats a comforting bowl of cheesy pasta. From the melty mozzarella to the buttery garlic undertones, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for cold evenings or when you’re simply craving something indulgent.
Versatile and Customizable
You can play around with the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or just mix it up with what’s in your fridge! Swap out the ground beef, add some veggies, or adjust the spice level to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish
This recipe serves four hearty portions and is sure to wow your family or friends. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a cozy dinner party, this cheesy penne dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Easy to Adjust for Diets
With a few simple swaps, you can make this dish gluten-free, vegetarian, or even dairy-free. It’s a recipe that adapts beautifully to different needs while still being delicious.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long this comforting dish will take to whip up:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Variations
Want to make it your own? Here are some ideas to mix things up or cater to dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version.
- Spicy Twist: Turn up the heat with additional red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Use spicy sausage instead of ground beef for an extra kick.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for added nutrition and color. sauté them along with the garlic and onions.
- Gluten-Free: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Pot: To boil your pasta to perfection.
- Large Skillet: For cooking the ground beef, garlic, and creamy sauce.
- Colander: To drain the pasta while reserving some pasta water.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring and mixing the sauce and pasta evenly.
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef?
This recipe is easier than you might think, and every step brings you closer to cheesy, creamy pasta perfection. 🍝
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente according to the package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes). Once done, reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as you go. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Once cooked, set aside. 🌿
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and onion in the leftover butter. Stir them for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant and softened. Watch the garlic closely to prevent burning! 🌰
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, mixing well. Bring this to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Then, stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan until they melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. 🧀
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet, followed by the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy, cheesy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water. 🍲
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Finally, plate up your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy every chewy, cheesy, buttery bite! 🌟
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Sauté the garlic gently until golden. Overcooked garlic can taste bitter and overpower the dish.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: Opt for heavy cream to achieve the richest, creamiest sauce. Lighter creams may not thicken as well.
- Add Pasta Water Gradually: A splash of pasta water loosens thick sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
- Fresh Herbs Are Key: Always use fresh parsley for garnishing to enhance the flavor and presentation.
How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef?
This dish is satisfying on its own but pairs wonderfully with a few sides. For some extra flair, serve it with toasted garlic bread to soak up the cheesy sauce. A crunchy side salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the pasta. For a heartier meal, roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini are excellent additions. Garnish each plate with fresh parsley, and your meal will look kitchen-magazine-worthy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of what you’re eating in every satisfying serving (¼ of the recipe):
- Calories: 680
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 38g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare parts of it in advance to save time.
The ground beef and sauce can be cooked ahead and stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, cook the penne pasta fresh, combine it with the reheated sauce, and serve.
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream before warming it in a pan over low heat. Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well because the creamy sauce can separate when thawed.
Enjoy this comforting, cheesy penne dish that’s brimming with flavor and love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or indulging in a solo dinner, this recipe promises a plate of happiness! Bon appétit!
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
If there’s one recipe that I can’t get enough of, it’s this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. I first stumbled upon the idea on a weeknight when I wanted something hearty but was short on time. What came out of my kitchen that day was nothing short of magic.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente according to the package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes). Once done, reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as you go. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Once cooked, set aside.
- Using the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and onion in the leftover butter. Stir them for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant and softened. Watch the garlic closely to prevent burning!
- Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, mixing well. Bring this to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Then, stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan until they melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet, followed by the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy, cheesy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Finally, plate up your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy every chewy, cheesy, buttery bite!
Notes
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Sauté the garlic gently until golden. Overcooked garlic can taste bitter and overpower the dish.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: Opt for heavy cream to achieve the richest, creamiest sauce. Lighter creams may not thicken as well.
- Add Pasta Water Gradually: A splash of pasta water loosens thick sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
- Fresh Herbs Are Key: Always use fresh parsley for garnishing to enhance the flavor and presentation.
