Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
This comforting and hearty dish features penne pasta tossed in garlic butter, savory ground beef, and plenty of melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering, this recipe is delicious and easy to prepare.
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!
Notes
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.