Oh, let me tell you about the magic of cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef! This dish is the ultimate comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Whenever I make it, the smell of garlic butter sizzling away fills my kitchen, and I can’t help but feel that cozy, homey vibe. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table, eager to dig in. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly winter evening, and it quickly became a staple in my home. The combination of tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey, melted cheese is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this hearty delight, it’ll become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tbsp garlic butter
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using mozzarella, but feel free to get creative!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
These ingredients are simple yet pack a punch of flavor. Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking—trust me, it makes the process smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! Making cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef is straightforward and oh-so-satisfying. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal on the table in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite but not crunchy. Once done, drain the pasta, but save a little pasta water just in case you need to loosen things up later!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, over medium heat, add your 1 lb of ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, letting it brown for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink and has a nice, rich color. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat if necessary—nobody wants a greasy dish!
Step 3: Add Garlic Butter
Now for the magic! Once your beef is beautifully browned, add in the 4 tablespoons of garlic butter. Stir it in until it melts completely and coats the beef, infusing that mouthwatering garlic aroma throughout. This step is where the flavor really starts to shine!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Beef
Time to bring it all together! Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the beef. Give everything a good toss so that the pasta is well-coated with the garlic butter and mingles with the beef. If it looks a bit dry, don’t hesitate to splash in some of that reserved pasta water—just a tablespoon or two will do!
Step 5: Add Cheeses
Now, let’s make it cheesy! Sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and create that creamy, dreamy texture we all crave. It should be beautifully gooey and oh-so-delicious!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season your cheesy penne with salt and pepper to taste. Give it another good mix, and then serve it hot! I love garnishing it with a bit of extra Parmesan or some fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your hearty creation and feel the love in every bite!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers! Now, keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a typical breakdown for one serving of this cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
Now, isn’t that a hearty meal? You’ll feel satisfied and energized after enjoying this delicious dish! Just remember to adjust the ingredients if you’re looking to lighten things up or if you have specific dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 30 minutes!
- Hearty and filling, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
- The combination of garlic butter and beef creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
- Cheesy goodness—who can resist that gooey melted cheese?
- Versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite cheeses or add in veggies!
- One-pan wonder, which means less cleanup for you!
- Great for meal prep; leftovers are just as tasty and can be stored easily.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my tried-and-true tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: When you’re boiling the penne, remember to check it a minute or two before the package says it’s done. You want it al dente, so it holds up well when you mix it with the beef and cheeses!
- Get Creative with Cheeses: While I love mozzarella for its meltiness, feel free to mix in some cheddar, gouda, or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy kick. Just make sure they melt well!
- Season as You Go: Don’t wait until the end to add salt and pepper. Season the beef while it’s cooking for a deeper flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Use Fresh Garlic: If you have fresh garlic on hand, chop a couple of cloves and sauté them with the ground beef before adding the garlic butter. It’ll elevate the flavor to a whole new level!
- Go for the Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop. Adding a splash of milk or a bit of leftover pasta water can help bring back that creamy texture!
- Experiment with Veggies: Want to sneak in some veggies? Feel free to add in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms when you’re browning the beef. They’ll cook down nicely and add some extra nutrition!
With these tips, your cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef will be a hit every time! Happy cooking!
Variations on Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
One of the best things about cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef is how adaptable it is! You can really get creative and make it your own. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Different Cheeses: Swap out the mozzarella for a blend of cheeses like cheddar and pepper jack for a spicy kick. Or go for a creamy ricotta mixed in for a richer texture!
- Veggie Lovers: Toss in some sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers while cooking the beef. They’ll add a wonderful freshness and color to your dish!
- Italian Twist: Mix in some Italian sausage with the ground beef for added flavor. It gives a lovely herby taste that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the beef while it cooks. This will elevate the flavor and make your kitchen smell amazing!
- Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you add the garlic butter. It’ll add a delightful spice!
- One-Pot Wonder: If you want to simplify even further, cook the penne right in the same pot with the beef and garlic butter. Just add enough broth or water, and let it cook together for a creamy, one-pot meal!
- Swap the Pasta: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different shapes of pasta like fusilli or farfalle. Or, for a lighter option, go for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta!
These variations can help you keep this dish exciting and fresh every time you make it. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect cheesy penne creation!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers of cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef! First off, make sure to let the pasta cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation from making it soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer your leftovers to an airtight container. They can hang out in the fridge for up to 3 days—just long enough for you to enjoy that comforting meal again!
When you’re ready to indulge in your leftovers, reheating is super easy. I recommend using the stovetop for the best texture. Just add your cheesy penne to a skillet over medium heat, and splash in a little bit of milk or leftover pasta water to help it regain that creamy goodness. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If you’re in a rush, you can pop it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to keep the moisture in, and give it a stir halfway through to heat evenly.
Trust me, you won’t be disappointed bringing this cheesy delight back to life. Enjoy every last bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out this garlic butter pasta recipe or this creamy garlic parmesan pasta recipe!
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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef is a hearty pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tbsp garlic butter
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat.
- Add garlic butter to the beef and stir until melted.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet.
- Mix in shredded cheese and Parmesan until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add herbs like basil or oregano.
- Use any cheese of your choice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cheesy penne, garlic butter, ground beef, pasta
