Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Introduction

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a delightful dish that combines the richness of ground beef, the comfort of pasta, and the savory goodness of melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, with its blend of flavors and creamy texture that will please everyone at the table. Combining the hearty pasta with the aromatic garlic butter creates a harmony that makes this dish a favorite for many.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– Penne pasta: 12 ounces
– Ground beef: 1 pound
– Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
– Butter: 4 tablespoons
– Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
– Salt: to taste
– Black pepper: to taste
– Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
– Shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar): 2 cups
– Fresh parsley: for garnish

Prep Time

The preparation time for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is approximately 10-15 minutes. This includes the time it takes to gather your ingredients and prepare them for cooking.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cook time for this dish is about 20-25 minutes. When combined with the prep time, the total time to prepare this meal is roughly 30-40 minutes. This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it an excellent choice for families or meal prepping for the week.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the garlic butter. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it is browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once the beef is cooked, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the garlic butter and mixed thoroughly with the beef.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Sprinkle the grated cheese over the pasta and beef mixture. Toss everything together until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the cheesy penne immediately. Optionally, garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Note 1

You can use any cheese of your preference; mozzarella and cheddar work particularly well for this dish.

Note 2

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Note 3

For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes during the cooking process.

Note 4

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Cook techniques

Boiling Pasta

To cook the penne pasta, boil water in a pot, add salt, and let the pasta cook until al dente.

Sautéing Garlic

Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This enhances its flavor and aroma.

Cooking Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.

Combining Ingredients

After preparing the pasta, garlic, and beef, combine them in a large bowl and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Melting Cheese

Add cheese to the hot pasta mixture and stir until melted and creamy, creating a rich texture.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes, but cooking times may vary.

What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?

A mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese provides a great flavor and melting quality.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or omit it entirely.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it before serving for convenience.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Conclusion

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, making it perfect for a comforting family meal. This recipe highlights the versatility of pasta and beef, enhanced by the aromatic touch of garlic butter. Whether you serve it on a cozy evening or at a gathering, it is sure to impress.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Enjoy tender chicken pieces tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce with fettuccine for a classic Italian treat.

Spicy Sausage Penne

Swap out the ground beef for spicy Italian sausage and add some bell peppers for a kick of heat.

Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna

Layered with pasta, creamy ricotta, sautéed mushrooms, and spinach, this dish offers a cheesy alternative to classic penne.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

For a different twist, try a beef and broccoli stir-fry served over jasmine rice to complement the flavors.

Vegetable Mac and Cheese

Add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, peas, or cauliflower to a gooey mac and cheese for a heartier option.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Replace ground beef with shrimp in a garlic butter sauce for a seafood twist on the original recipe.