Irresistible Cheesy Penne With Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

Creamy, comforting cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef tantalizes taste buds with its rich, hearty flavors.

Melted cheese cascades over perfectly cooked pasta, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures.

Tender ground beef adds a robust protein punch to this satisfying dish.

garlic butter infuses each bite with an irresistible aromatic warmth.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into a delectable feast.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious and inviting.

Prepare to savor every single delightful forkful of this crowd-pleasing pasta masterpiece.

Why Cheesy Penne and Beef Is Comforting

• Craft Gourmet Elegance: A restaurant-quality dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat perfect for special gatherings.
• Create Sensational Layers: The combination of silky maple custard with crunchy salted hazelnut caramel sauce delivers an incredible contrast of textures and deep, rich flavors.
• Master Impressive Techniques: Learning to temper eggs, create caramel, and bake custard allows home cooks to develop professional-level culinary skills with step-by-step precision.
• Elevate Dessert Experience: This sophisticated recipe goes beyond basic sweets, offering a gourmet restaurant-style dessert that will wow guests and make any meal feel extraordinary.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Penne

• Penne Pasta: A tube-shaped pasta that captures the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Ground Beef: The protein-rich base that adds hearty flavor to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty topping that creates a gooey, delicious finish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp cheese that enhances the overall creaminess of the sauce.

• Butter, Heavy Cream: Ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce.

• Garlic, Onion, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Spices and herbs that build depth and complexity of flavor.

• Beef Broth: A liquid that adds extra savory notes to the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that provides a fresh finish to the dish.

Cooking Cheesy Penne With Beef at Home

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Drop penne into a pot of salted water and cook following package directions until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, ready for the next delicious phase.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet and melt butter. Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown masterpiece.

Discard any excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Scoot the beef to one side of the skillet.

Add remaining butter, then introduce minced garlic and diced onions. Let them dance and soften, releasing their incredible fragrance.

• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Create the Luxurious Sauce

Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring until they become a harmonious blend. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken slightly.

Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sensation.

Step 5: Marry the Pasta and Beef

Introduce the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing everything together so each pasta piece gets coated in the spectacular sauce.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Finale

Scatter mozzarella cheese across the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese transform into a melty blanket of deliciousness.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, shower with fresh parsley, and serve piping hot. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Notes for Cheesy Garlic Beef Penne Fans

• Ensure pasta reaches al dente texture by testing a piece 1-2 minutes before package instructions suggest. Salted water helps enhance the pasta's flavor and prevents blandness.
• Remove extra grease from ground beef to prevent oily sauce and reduce unnecessary calories. Use a paper towel or colander to strain the meat thoroughly.
• Mix Parmesan and mozzarella for a complex, rich cheese profile. Grate fresh cheese for maximum melting and deeper taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference. Start with a small pinch and gradually increase for those who enjoy more kick without overwhelming the dish.

Styles and Swaps for Cheesy Beef Penne

• Spicy Southwest Penne: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, maintaining the creamy garlic butter sauce and cheese components.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace penne with riced cauliflower or spiralized zucchini noodles, keeping the original sauce and beef preparation intact for a keto-friendly version.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add chopped kalamata olives, use oregano instead of Italian seasoning, and finish with fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

What to Eat With Cheesy Beef Pasta

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the garlic butter ground beef.
• Create Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy, cheesy pasta and cut through the heaviness of the dish.
• Select Garlic Bread Side: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and enhance the garlic notes already present in the recipe.
• Recommend Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil on top to add brightness and a fresh counterpoint to the rich, creamy pasta.

How to Store Cheesy Penne Beef Dishes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for best preservation.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent pasta from sticking. Stir continuously until heated evenly throughout.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne is perfect, but you can also use rigatoni or ziti for similar texture and sauce-holding capabilities.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works great in this recipe and provides similar flavor.

• How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

They add a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely based on your heat preference.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy cheese and mild seasonings make it appealing to children, and they’ll love the cheesy, comforting flavors.

Cheesy Penne With Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef delivers comfort on a plate, blending rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Creamy pasta and seasoned beef create a quick, satisfying meal that brings warmth to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook penne pasta until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature. Melt butter and introduce ground beef, carefully fragmenting the meat while cooking until it achieves a rich, golden-brown color. Eliminate any excess fat if necessary.
3. Relocate the browned beef to one side of the skillet. Add remaining butter, then incorporate minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until aromatic and translucent, releasing their fragrant essence.
4. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors throughout the mixture.
5. Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce, thickening for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
6. Gently fold the cooked penne into the skillet, thoroughly coating each pasta piece with the garlic butter beef sauce.
7. Distribute mozzarella cheese across the top of the dish. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely for 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot, offering a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

• Save a cup of starchy pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed, helping create a silkier, more cohesive dish.
• Swap penne for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to make the recipe keto-friendly and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to personal heat preference, or omit entirely for a milder taste that suits more sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg