Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
This cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef is a true comfort food classic that combines rich flavors and easy preparation. It’s a dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy: The blend of cheese and garlic butter creates an irresistible sauce.
- Kid-Friendly: A surefire hit for even the pickiest eaters.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite pasta or protein for endless possibilities.
With simple ingredients and bold flavors, you’ll find yourself making this dish again and again.
Ingredients
To create this cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Penne Pasta: 12 ounces of your preferred brand.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound, lean for best results.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons.
- Milk: 2 cups, whole milk works best.
- Shredded Cheese: 1 ½ cups of mozzarella and cheddar blend.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a hint of heat.
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped for garnish.
These pantry staples ensure you can whip up this delicious meal any time.
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Break it into small crumbles with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat.. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes aromatic.
- Add the flour and stir, cooking for an additional minute to remove the raw flour flavor.
- Create the Cheese Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheese and Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta and ground beef to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat every piece evenly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4 hearty servings and is ideal for a cozy family dinner.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes.
- Total Time: 30 minutes.
Perfectly timed to fit into your busy schedule while delivering maximum flavor.
Variations of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
This versatile recipe allows you to get creative:
- Protein Swaps:
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
- Pasta Alternatives:
- Try penne rigate, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
- Add Vegetables:
- Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added for extra nutrients.
- Cheese Choices:
- Experiment with gouda, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on flavor.
- Spicy Kick:
- Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for those who love heat.
Customizing this dish makes it adaptable for various tastes and occasions.
Storage and Reheating:
Leftovers are a breeze to store and reheat:
- Storage:
- Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing:
- Store portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- For larger portions, reheat in an oven-safe dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Maintaining the creamy texture is simple with these methods.
FAQs About Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
- Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
2. What can I use instead of butter?
- Substitute olive oil for a lighter option, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
- Not inherently, but you can adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free pasta and replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch.
5. What other herbs can I add?
- Fresh basil or thyme adds a wonderful touch to the dish.
Conclusion
This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves easy, flavorful meals. It’s comforting, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. With options to customize and simple storage tips, it’s ideal for meal planning or spontaneous cravings. Gather your ingredients and enjoy the magic of this meal tonight!
Print
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing and stovetop cooking.
- Cuisine: Italian-American.
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savor the rich flavors of cheesy penne with garlic butter and ground beef. A quick, creamy, and comforting pasta recipe perfect.
Ingredients
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it into small crumbles with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove the beef and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Create the Cheese Sauce:
Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheese and Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and ground beef to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat every piece evenly.
Finish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it into small crumbles with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove the beef and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Create the Cheese Sauce:
Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheese and Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and ground beef to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat every piece evenly.
Finish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 serving per person out of the total 4 servings.
- Calories: 400-500
Keywords: Cheesy penne pasta Garlic butter ground beef Creamy pasta recipe Easy weeknight dinner Comfort food classic
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