Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef! This dish is pure comfort food magic in a bowl. I love how it combines the heartiness of penne pasta with the rich, buttery flavor of garlic and tender ground beef, all smothered in gooey, melted cheese. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! And the best part? It comes together in just about 30 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for a satisfying meal that pleases everyone around the table!
Ingredients for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Let’s gather the magic ingredients for this cheesy penne dish! You’ll need 8 ounces of penne pasta, which is the perfect shape for holding onto that luscious sauce. For the protein, grab 1 pound of ground beef; I love using lean beef for a slightly healthier option. Next, we have 4 tablespoons of butter—because garlic butter is everything! Speaking of garlic, you’ll want 4 cloves, minced to unleash that wonderful aroma. Don’t forget 1 cup of your favorite shredded cheese, whether it’s cheddar or mozzarella, to make it extra gooey. A sprinkle of ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper will enhance the flavors, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a ¼ cup of chopped parsley for that fresh finish!
How to Prepare Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Alright, let’s get cooking! Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for the penne pasta. Once it’s bubbling away, add in 8 ounces of penne and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until it’s al dente. Remember, you want it firm enough to hold up against the saucy goodness. Once cooked, drain and set it aside for a moment while we work on the beef.
Cooking the Penne Pasta
When cooking the penne, be sure to give it a good stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After draining, don’t rinse the pasta—this helps the sauce cling better, giving you maximum flavor in every bite. A little tip: you can toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from clumping while you prepare the rest!
Preparing the Garlic Butter Ground Beef
In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, letting that glorious aroma fill your kitchen. Next, toss in those 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about a minute until they’re fragrant—oh, it smells heavenly! Then, add in the 1 pound of ground beef, along with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Cook it all together, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until the beef is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if needed, and keep that garlic flavor shining!
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked penne pasta straight into the skillet with the ground beef mixture and stir everything together until it’s well combined. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top and cover the skillet with a lid for just a couple of minutes—this will help the cheese melt beautifully. Once it’s all melted and gooey, give it a gentle stir, and if you like, garnish with chopped parsley for that fresh pop of color. Enjoy every cheesy, buttery bite!
Tips for Success with Cheesy Penne
To make sure your cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef turns out perfectly, here are some my favorite tips! First, when cooking the pasta, always taste it a minute or two before the package time is up to get that perfect al dente texture. Second, don’t rush the garlic—sauté it just until fragrant, or it can turn bitter. Also, if you want a creamier dish, feel free to add a splash of heavy cream when combining the ingredients. Lastly, taste and adjust the seasoning before serving; a pinch more salt or pepper can elevate the flavors beautifully. Happy cooking!
Variations of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Now, let’s get creative with this cheesy penne dish! One of my favorite twists is to switch up the cheese—try using pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of gouda and mozzarella for a smoky flavor. If you want to sneak in some veggies, consider adding sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms to the beef mixture. For a bit of crunch, toss in some toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not throw in some cooked sausage for an extra meaty delight? The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own delicious flair!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guideline. Typically, a serving of this cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef contains about 450 calories, 25 grams of fat, and 25 grams of protein. It’s a hearty meal that’s satisfying and filling, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. Always feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs!
FAQ about Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is fantastic for this dish, you can swap it out for any pasta you love, like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary a bit!
How can I make this dish healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also add more vegetables, like zucchini or kale, to boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Swapping in whole-grain pasta is another great option!
What can I serve with cheesy penne?
This cheesy penne pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing crunch. You might also enjoy it alongside garlic bread for that extra indulgent touch or some roasted veggies for a colorful plate!
For more information on the benefits of garlic, check out this Healthline article. You can also explore different pasta types and their cooking times on Bon Appétit.
Print
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty and flavorful dish of penne pasta tossed in garlic butter and topped with cheesy ground beef.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Mix in the cooked penne pasta and stir well.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and let it melt.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use any cheese of your choice.
- Add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cheesy penne, garlic butter, ground beef, pasta dish
