Description: A comforting and satisfying dish featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta, seasoned ground beef, a rich garlic butter sauce, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is quick, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Step 2: In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Step 5: Season the ground beef with onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine. Step 6: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Step 7: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Step 8: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the cheesy beef sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Step 9: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. The recipe requires simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator, making it a convenient choice for a last-minute dinner.
The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. The savory ground beef, infused with garlic butter and aromatic Italian spices, creates a rich and flavorful base. The addition of beef broth and heavy cream transforms the sauce into a luscious and creamy coating for the penne pasta. The melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese add a delightful cheesy element that takes this dish to the next level.
Beyond its delicious taste and ease of preparation, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. You can also add vegetables like diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the ground beef for added nutrients and flavor.
This dish is also a great option for meal prepping. You can make a large batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Most importantly, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is incredibly comforting and satisfying. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold evening or to enjoy as a cozy weekend meal. It’s a recipe that the whole family will love, and one that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main course.
- Pair with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping in the cheesy sauce.
- Top with extra Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
- For a richer sauce, use whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add vegetables such as diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the ground beef for added nutrients and flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 510 kcal per serving (estimated)
- Protein: Approximately 35g per serving (estimated)
- Sodium: Varies depending on added salt (estimated)
Conclusion:
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that is sure to please. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and customizable nature, it’s a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy garlic butter sauce, and melted cheese is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly comforting and satisfying dish.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of penne?
A: Absolutely! Penne is a great choice for this recipe because its shape helps to capture the delicious sauce. However, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle (bow ties), ziti, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to package directions to ensure it’s perfectly al dente.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply omit the ground beef and add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also use a plant-based ground meat substitute if you prefer. The remaining ingredients and instructions will remain the same.
Q3: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: There are several ways to make this recipe healthier. You can use lean ground beef or ground turkey instead of regular ground beef. You can also substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. To add more fiber and nutrients, include vegetables like broccoli, peas, or carrots. Additionally, you can use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta for a boost of fiber. Reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese option to cut down on calories and fat.
Q4: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Yes, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened during storage. Alternatively, you can cook the pasta and the sauce separately, and then combine them just before serving.
Q5: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: While you can freeze this recipe, the texture of the pasta and cheese may change slightly after thawing. The pasta can become a bit mushy, and the cheese may separate slightly. To minimize these changes, make sure to cool the dish completely before freezing it in an airtight container. When thawing, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.
