When you crave something comforting and satisfying, this cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef hits all the right notes.
Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners, it delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. This creamy pasta dish combines tender noodles, savory beef, and rich cheeses for a meal everyone raves about.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Penne Pasta
First, this recipe brings together pantry staples into one irresistible creation. Second, you can customize the spice level to suit your family’s preferences. Additionally, leftovers taste fantastic the next day, making it practical for meal planning. Ultimately, you get restaurant-quality comfort food without leaving your kitchen.
Quick Prep and Cook Time
From start to finish, this meal takes just under an hour to prepare. Since it uses simple techniques like boiling pasta and browning beef, even novice cooks succeed with it.
Family-Friendly Appeal
Kids love the cheesy goodness, while adults appreciate the garlic-infused depth. Moreover, it’s filling enough to satisfy hearty appetites yet versatile enough to pair with lighter sides.
Recipe
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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
- Total Time: 50 min
Description
Creamy pasta with garlic-seasoned ground beef and a blend of melted cheeses
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta (340 g)
- 1 lb ground beef (450 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (3 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups heavy cream (480 ml)
- 1 cup beef broth (240 ml)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (100 g)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (200 g)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the cooked beef with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
- Lower the heat to medium and pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add the drained penne pasta into the sauce, stirring to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly.
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and thickened.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish the dish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the garlic until golden but not burnt.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting results.
- Let the dish rest 5 minutes after adding mozzarella for thicker sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
Ingredients and Substitutions
Base Components
- 12 oz penne pasta (340 g)
- 1 lb ground beef (450 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (3 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Finish
- 2 cups heavy cream (480 ml)
- 1 cup beef broth (240 ml)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (100 g)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (200 g)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Swaps and Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey for beef if you prefer leaner meat. For a vegetarian twist, try plant-based crumbles instead. If you need a dairy-free version, coconut cream replaces heavy cream well. Gluten-free penne works perfectly in this dish too.
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Crumble in ground beef and cook until browned, breaking apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Season beef with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well. Reduce heat to medium and pour in beef broth and heavy cream.
Step 4: Combine and Cheese
Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top, cover with lid, and let sit 3-5 minutes until cheese melts.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley for freshness before serving hot.
Pro Tips for Success
Cook pasta al dente since it softens further in the sauce. Grate Parmesan fresh rather than using pre-shredded for better meltability. Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent greasiness. Warm your bowls before serving to keep the dish hot longer.
Flavor Variations
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies. For smoky notes, mix in a teaspoon of paprika. If you enjoy heat, double the red pepper flakes. Sun-dried tomatoes lend a bright tang that balances the richness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cheesy penne with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette. Garlic bread or dinner rolls help soak up the creamy sauce. For heartier appetites, serve alongside roasted vegetables. A tangy French onion soup makes an excellent starter course.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. To freeze, portion cooled pasta into freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 650 |
FAQs About Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef
Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes! Assemble everything except the mozzarella topping. Store covered in fridge up to 24 hours. Add cheese just before reheating and serving.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Replace it with half-and-half mixed with a tablespoon of flour for thickness. Alternatively, whole milk with a pat of butter works.
How do I avoid clumpy cheese sauce?
Gradually sprinkle Parmesan while stirring constantly over low heat. This ensures smooth incorporation without lumps.
Final Thoughts
This cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef stands as a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary meals.
Whether you need dinner stress solved or want to impress guests without hassle, this recipe delivers. Remember to explore other filling options like hearty lentil soup or rich vegetable soup for well-rounded meal planning tonight.
