Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any night of the week. With a rich garlic butter sauce, juicy ground beef, and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is a creamy, flavorful delight. It’s quick to prepare, satisfying, and packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add garlic and butter: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Then, add the butter and stir until melted.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is fully melted and combined into the sauce.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Description:
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a simple yet indulgent pasta dish that combines the savory richness of garlic butter with tender ground beef and gooey, melted cheese. The mozzarella creates a creamy, stretchy texture, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish. This one-pan dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want something comforting and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool before sealing it in the container.
- Freezing: You can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can sprinkle extra cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to rehydrate the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
- Microwave: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes! Penne works well, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli.
- Can I use lean ground beef?
- Yes, lean ground beef will work, though it may not be as rich. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish?
- Absolutely! You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or any vegetable you like.
- What can I use instead of butter?
- Olive oil or a combination of olive oil and cream can be used as an alternative to butter.
- Can I use shredded cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella?
- Yes, cheddar will give the dish a sharper flavor, but mozzarella provides a creamier texture.
- Can I make this dish without cheese?
- It will lack the creamy, cheesy element, but you could still enjoy the garlic butter sauce and ground beef.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare everything up to the point of adding the cheese, then refrigerate it. Reheat and add the cheese when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?
- Yes! Fresh garlic will add a more intense flavor, just be sure to finely chop it.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to bring the heat.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Yes, use a plant-based ground beef substitute and vegetable broth instead of meat, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version.
- How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Cook it al dente (firm to the bite) as it will continue to cook when mixed with the hot beef and sauce.
- What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
- Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great alternatives with a similar salty, nutty flavor.
- Can I use a different type of ground meat?
- Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork will work, but each will bring a slightly different flavor to the dish.
- Can I add cream to make the sauce richer?
- Yes, adding a little heavy cream will make the sauce extra creamy and rich.
- How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?
- The beef should be brown and crumbly with no pink left. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F internally.
- Can I use pre-grated cheese?
- Pre-grated cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts better and will give you a smoother sauce.
- What can I serve with this dish?
- A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly.
- Can I make this a one-pan meal?
- Yes! Just cook the beef in the same pan where you’ll add the pasta and sauce, and skip using a separate pot for the pasta.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and when reheating, add a little milk to rehydrate the sauce.
- Can I add bacon to this dish?
- Absolutely! Crumbled bacon would be a great addition, adding a smoky, crispy texture to the dish.
20 Best Tips to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef:
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and texture.
- Cook pasta al dente to ensure it doesn’t become too soft when mixed with the sauce.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef to avoid greasy pasta.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper as it cooks to enhance the flavor.
- Add a splash of pasta water to the skillet if the sauce needs thinning out.
- Sauté the garlic in a little olive oil for a richer, deeper flavor before adding it to the beef.
- Toast the pasta in the skillet for a few minutes after combining it with the sauce for added texture and flavor.
- For extra creaminess, mix in a small amount of heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Add fresh herbs, like basil or oregano, to brighten up the flavors.
- Make it extra cheesy by adding more mozzarella or even a little cream cheese for richness.
- Top with breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy, cheesy topping.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan while mixing.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top before serving for color and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
- Serve with a squeeze of lemon to balance the richness of the dish.
- Make it spicier by stirring in chili powder, paprika, or a diced jalapeño with the garlic.
- Add a squeeze of lime over the finished dish for a zesty kick.
- Mix in some sautéed vegetables, like mushrooms or spinach, for added nutrients and flavor.
- Use a quality butter for a richer, more flavorful sauce.
- Add a little grated nutmeg to the sauce for a subtle depth of flavor.
- Consider serving with a side of tortilla chips for a fun, crunchy contrast to the cheesy, creamy pasta.
