This Cheesy Penne is a wonderful mix of pasta, gooey cheese, and tender, garlic butter ground beef. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🧀💖
I love how it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. Just boil the pasta, brown the beef, and mix in cheese. Simple and oh-so-good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This dish is best with penne as its shape helps hold onto the sauce. If you’re out, bowties or even rigatoni work great too!
Ground Beef: I recommend lean ground beef for a nice balance. If you’re looking for healthier options, ground turkey or chicken can be good substitutes. They taste lighter and still blend well with the sauce.
Cheeses: I love using mozzarella for its stretchiness. Cheddar adds a rich flavor, while Parmesan gives a salty kick. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or use dairy-free cheese shreds.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess, but you can swap it out for whole milk or even half-and-half if you want a lighter option. Coconut milk can work for a dairy-free version!
How Do I Get the Perfect Flavor from Garlic Butter?
Getting the right flavor from garlic butter is key in this dish! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by browning the ground beef first, then drain any excess fat.
- Once the beef is ready, reduce the heat before adding the butter. This prevents the garlic from burning.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until it’s just fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Be sure not to let it brown too much; burnt garlic can taste bitter.
This technique ensures a lovely, rich flavor that brings your dish to life! Enjoy cooking! 🍝✨
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
For The Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. In just under half an hour, you’ll have a cheesy, comforting meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Browning the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. This should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off before moving on to the next step.
3. Adding Butter and Garlic:
Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the skillet with the cooked beef. Once the butter has melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook this for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
4. Mixing in Seasonings:
Next, sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning along with some salt and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
5. Creamy Sauce Creation:
Pour the heavy cream (or milk) into the skillet and stir well to combine. Turn the heat down low, and slowly add in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until everything is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Combining Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together well to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated in that cheesy, garlic butter beef sauce. If it looks a bit thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
7. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Then, remove the skillet from heat and garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef immediately. Enjoy your cozy meal!
FAQ for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat penne for a healthier option. For gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed according to the package instructions!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time! Just store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce on the stove and mix in the pasta until warmed through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can toss in veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms after browning the beef. Just sauté them until tender before adding the garlic and proceeding with the sauce. It adds great flavor and nutrients!