Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds? Introducing Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef – the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty flavors and creamy indulgence. Picture this: tender penne pasta smothered in a velvety cheese sauce, perfectly seasoned ground beef infused with rich garlic butter, and all the savory goodness that turns a simple dinner into a masterpiece. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience.
A rich, creamy pasta dish combining tender penne, savory garlic butter ground beef, and a luscious cheese sauce. Perfect for hearty family dinners, this comforting recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: A comforting dish that pleases both kids and adults.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or spices.
- Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty—perfect for satisfying cravings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Make the garlic butter base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Build the sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, whisking to combine. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss until evenly combined.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Cheese Options: Substitute Parmesan with mozzarella or asiago for a different flavor.
- Pasta Choices: Use rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli instead of penne.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free varieties.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option.
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use heavy cream and ensure the heat isn’t too high when simmering the sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently after thawing.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal for holding the sauce.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based cream alternative.
Can I add more cheese to the sauce?
Absolutely! Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently. The spice comes from optional red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your taste.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and heat before serving.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
A fresh green salad and garlic bread pair wonderfully with this pasta.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Creamy, hearty, and bursting with savory flavors, this pasta dish is perfect for cozy nights or special occasions. Give it a try and enjoy a meal your family will ask for again and again!
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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring tender penne, flavorful Italian sausage, and a creamy tomato basil sauce. Ideal for family dinners, this recipe is packed with rich flavors and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Make the garlic butter base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Build the sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, whisking to combine. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss until evenly combined.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the total recipe
- Calories: 580-620 kcal
- Sugar: 3-5 g
- Sodium: 500-600 mg
- Fat: 30-35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15-18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10-12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55 g
- Fiber: 2-3 g
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Cholesterol: 85-95 mg