Chеesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef just might be the coziest dinner you can whip up at home . It’s got pasta smothered in buttery garlic sauce and hearty beef that hits the spot every time . Perfect if you wanna impress your pals or if you need a fast, filling meal when you’re beat .
Comfort food plays a big part in food traditions around the world . It often brings back warm memries of home or family times . Dishes like Chеesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef give you that cozy vibe , making them awesome for get-togethers, weeknight suppers , or any time you’re craving something yummy . The creamy pasta and garlicky butter beef make a combo that’ll make everyone at the table happy .
When you dig into this recipe , get set for a burst of flavors that work well together . Cheese fans and meat lovers both get a treat here , and you’ll leave the table feeling full and warm . Grab your ingredients and let’s start cooking something that might just become your new go-to dinner .
Ingredients
To make your Chеesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef , you need a few simple ingredients that pack big flavor . Here’s what you’ll want on hand :
Main Ingredients
- Penne Pasta: Pick a good brand , one that won’t get all mushy . Boil in salted water until al dente , then save a cup of pasta water before you drain it .
- Ground Beef: Use beef with an 80/20 fat ratio . It keeps the meat juicy so it don’t dry out while cooking .
- Cheeses: Mix mozzarellа , sharp cheddar and Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy sauce that sticks to every nook of the pasta .
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best , but you can swap in garlic powder if you’re in a rush .
- Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level in your dish . It also helps the garlic flavor shine .
Optional Add-ins
- Vegetables: Toss in spinach or sautéed mushrooms to make it a bit healthier and add texture .
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil at the end adds color and fresh taste .
Spices & Seasonings
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic but a must for flavor .
- Italian Seasoning: A dried herb mix like oregano, basil, and thyme brings things together .
Directions
Making this Chеesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is pretty easy when you break it down into steps .
Step 1: Boiling the Pasta
Fill a big pot with water and salt it well . Bring to a rolling boil , then add the penne . Cook 11–13 minutes or until al dente . Don’t forget to pull out about a cup of pasta water before you drain it — you’ll need it for the sauce .
Step 2: Preparing Garlic Butter Beef
Heat 2 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium . Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon . Cook 5–7 minutes until browned , then drain extra fat . Toss in the minced garlic and stir for 1–2 minutes until you smell that garlic aroma , just watch so it don’t burn .
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Pour the drained pasta into the skillet with your beef mixture . Add the cheeses a bit at a time so they melt evenly . If it’s too thick , splash in some of that pasta water till it’s nice and saucy . Stir until it’s all creamy and hot .
Step 4: Baking (Optional)
Want a crispy top? Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Spoon the pasta mix into a greased dish , top with extra cheese , bake 20 minutes . For a golden crust , switch to broil for a few minutes but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn .
Presentation Tips
Serving your dish can be fun . Use a big spoon to pile it on plates or shallow bowls . Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil for a pop of green , add more Parmesan if you like , maybe drizzle olive oil . Putting the baking dish right on the table looks warm and inviting too .
Nutrition Information
Each serving runs about 550 calories , with 30g protein , 35g fat , and 45g carbs . The beef gives you protein and the cheeses give calcium and other good stuff . Throw in veggies to add vitamins and fiber .
Variations
Vegetarian Option
Omit the beef and use black beans or lentils instead . You still get protein and fiber and it goes well with the cheesy pasta .
Gluten-Free Alternative
Pick gluten-free penne if you can’t eat gluten . Lots of brands taste pretty close to normal pasta .
Extra Cheesy Version
Cheese lovers , you can stir in gouda or cream cheese for even more richness . Mixing cheeses takes it up a notch .
Tips for Perfecting Your Dish
- Use high-quality ingredients: Better pasta and beef make a big difference .
- Adjust cheese amounts: Too much can get greasy , too little is boring . Find a good balance .
- Pairing suggestions: Try a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or some fizzy sparkling water .
FAQs
What can I substitute for ground beef in Chеesy Penne?
Ground turkey or chicken work fine , or go plant-based with chopped mushrooms or lentils for a similar texture .
Can I make Chеesy Penne in advance?
Yes , just cook it then chill . When you’re ready , warm it in the oven and add cheese on top for that just-baked feeling .
What type of cheese melts best for this dish?
Mozzarella melts like a dream , cheddar give flavor . Fontina or Monterey Jack are great for smooth, creamy results .
How can I make this a more balanced meal?
Add veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas . A side salad helps too , for freshness and nutrients .
Conclusion
Taste the coziness of Chеesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef and you’ll see why it’s a go-to for comfort dinner . The rich flavors and creamy pasta hit the spot every time . Make tweaks to fit your tastes and diet , then enjoy and share your results .
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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 skillet for cooking beef and mixing ingredients
- 1 colander for draining pasta
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula for stirring ingredients
- 1 measuring cups and spoons for measuring ingredients
- 1 cheese grater if grating cheese
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- for garnish, optional fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the garlic butter and beef.
- Lower the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Transfer the cheesy penne to a serving dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef!
