Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. This creamy pasta combines tender ground beef seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, all enveloped in a rich cheese sauce. It’s easy to make and sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Step 4: Season the cooked beef with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
6. Step 6: Add the drained penne pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
7. Step 7: Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and thickened.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and texture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the beef and pasta separately and combine them with the sauce just before serving. However, the cheese topping is best added fresh to maintain its gooey texture.

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 58 reviews

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting and rich pasta dish combining tender penne pasta with a creamy garlic butter sauce, ground beef, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe features bold Italian seasonings and a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta

Ground Beef Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce and Cheese

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
3. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Season Beef: Stir in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the cooked beef, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
5. Prepare Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture together, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to coat all pasta with the creamy sauce.
7. Add Parmesan: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking and stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
8. Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta in the skillet. Cover with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes off heat to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish to add a fresh aroma and color. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• To prevent pasta from sticking, stir occasionally while cooking.
• For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less thick.
• Drain excess fat carefully after cooking the ground beef for a less greasy dish.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to taste depending on your desired spice level.
• This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

Keywords: cheesy penne, ground beef pasta, garlic butter pasta, creamy pasta, Italian pasta recipe, one pan pasta, comfort food