This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is comfort food at its best! It combines creamy cheese, tender penne pasta, and juicy ground beef all in one tasty dish.
Honestly, who wouldn’t love a meal that smells like a cozy dinner party? I can’t resist a second helping, especially when it’s topped with lots of melted cheese. Yum!
It’s super easy to make, too! Just cook the pasta, brown the beef, mix in the garlic butter, and stir in the cheese. Dinner is served in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: Penne is great for holding the sauce. If you don’t have penne, try rigatoni or fusilli for a similar experience. Gluten-free pasta is also a good alternative if you’re avoiding gluten.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds flavor, but feel free to substitute with turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. Plant-based ground meat can also work well for a vegetarian twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic works in a pinch. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are great, but you can add any cheese you like! Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even cream cheese can make the dish creamier. Vegan cheese is a perfect substitute for a dairy-free version.
Milk or Cream: I use whole milk for a creamy texture, but half-and-half or a dairy substitute like almond or soy milk can work too. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor slightly.
How Do You Make Sure Your Pasta Stays Al Dente?
Cooking pasta perfectly is key to a great dish. You want it to be firm but not tough. Here’s how to do it:
- Use plenty of salted water for boiling the pasta. This helps season it evenly.
- Check the package for cooking time but start tasting a minute or two before it’s done. You want it to be slightly undercooked as it will continue to cook when tossed with the sauce.
- Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it! Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce stick.
Following these tips will help your cheesy penne turn out perfectly every time!
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Meat:
- 12 oz (about 340g) penne pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
Flavorings and Fats:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt, divided
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
Cheese and Cream:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
Other:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll enjoy a hearty meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and season it with 1/4 tsp of salt, black pepper, and the Italian seasoning if you’re using it. Cook the beef for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess fat in the skillet, carefully remove it.
3. Add Garlic and Butter:
Next, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet with the cooked beef. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want it to be fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour the milk or cream into the skillet and stir to combine. Allow it to warm through for about 2 minutes. This is where things start to get delicious!
5. Melt the Cheeses:
Lower the heat again and sprinkle in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and create a creamy sauce, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 tsp of salt over the mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the cheesy, garlic butter beef sauce.
7. Final Touches:
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once you’re happy, remove the skillet from the heat.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate up the cheesy penne and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if you’d like. Serve hot and enjoy a deliciously hearty meal!
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is sure to become a favorite in your household! Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
FAQ for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great option for added fiber, while gluten-free pasta works well if you’re avoiding gluten. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat to make this dish lighter or vegetarian-friendly. Just adjust the cooking times based on the substitution; some meats may require different handling.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes during the garlic sautéing step or stirring in some diced jalapeños. You can also top your dish with hot sauce to taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
