Oh boy, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef! Just the thought of it makes my mouth water. This dish is everything you want in a cozy meal—creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying! I remember the first time I whipped this up on a chilly evening; the aroma of garlic butter sizzling away filled my kitchen and made it feel like a warm hug. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough to impress guests! Trust me, once you dive into that rich, cheesy goodness with perfectly tender penne, you’ll be hooked. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table, and you just can’t help but smile with every bite. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tbsp garlic butter (you can use store-bought or make your own!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for extra gooeyness)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for that luscious, creamy texture)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (trust me, it adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy, but taste as you go!)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is the best, if you have it!)
How to Prepare Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—cooking! This cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef comes together so easily, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add the 12 oz of penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it to have a bit of bite to it!
- While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add in your 1 lb of ground beef and brown it, breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink!
- Now, here comes the magic—add in the 4 tbsp of garlic butter. Stir it in until it’s melted and coats the beef beautifully. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and sprinkle in the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it’s all combined and nice and creamy.
- Drain the penne and add it to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is generously coated with that creamy beef mixture.
- Finally, sprinkle in that 1 cup of shredded cheese and stir until it’s melted and gooey. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t forget to taste as you go!
- Serve hot and watch as everyone dives in! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, before you dig into this cheesy goodness, let’s chat about the nutritional side of things! Each serving of my cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef packs in about 600 calories, which includes 35 grams of fat and a hearty 30 grams of protein. You’ll also get around 50 grams of carbs to fuel your day. Of course, keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you choose. So, if you’re counting macros or just curious, feel free to tweak it to fit your needs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Savory garlic butter adds a depth of flavor that’s out of this world.
- Hearty ground beef makes it a filling meal the whole family will love.
- Endless customization options—switch up the cheese or add your favorite veggies!
- Comfort food at its finest, bringing warmth and happiness to your table.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great meal prep option!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t overcook your pasta—aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the hot beef mixture. If you find the sauce too thick, a splash of pasta water can help loosen it up and add extra flavor!
When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up well; you want those nice, browned bits for flavor. Feel free to taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper to your liking. And if you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t hesitate to add more garlic butter for that extra kick! Lastly, let the dish sit for a couple of minutes before serving; it helps everything meld together beautifully. Trust me, these little tricks will elevate your dish to the next level!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with this cheesy penne! For starters, try different cheese combinations—smoked gouda or pepper jack can add a delightful twist! If you want to sneak in some veggies, consider adding sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or even roasted zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. You could also throw in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness. And if you’re in the mood for a little kick, a dash of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños can spice things up beautifully. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef can be a lifesaver for busy days! To store, simply transfer any uneaten pasta into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days—perfect for meal prep! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just scoop out a portion and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it looks a little thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to bring back that creamy goodness. You’ll have a delicious meal ready to go in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love penne, you can easily swap it for rigatoni, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if that’s your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed!
What if I don’t have garlic butter?
No worries! You can simply use regular unsalted butter and add minced garlic to it while melting. About 1-2 cloves should do the trick, giving you that lovely garlic flavor!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The cheesy, savory flavors are usually a hit with kids. Plus, you can easily adjust the seasoning to suit their taste!
Can I add veggies to this dish?
For sure! Feel free to mix in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or even mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them before adding to the beef mixture!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Tomato Basil Soup or Hearty Beef and Barley Soup!
Imprimer
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef: 7 Irresistible Tips
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and savory pasta dish featuring penne, garlic butter, and ground beef.
Ingrédients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tbsp garlic butter
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add garlic butter and stir until melted.
- Mix in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Combine cooked penne with the beef mixture.
- Add shredded cheese and stir until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust garlic butter according to taste.
- Use any cheese you prefer.
- Leftovers can be reheated.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Pasta
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 35g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: cheesy penne, garlic butter, ground beef, pasta dish
