This Cheesy Penne is a comforting dish that’s packed with flavor! With creamy cheese, tender penne pasta, and tasty garlic butter ground beef, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
I love how quick it comes together—perfect for those busy nights! Just cook the pasta, and mix it with the beef and cheese for a yummy meal that everyone will enjoy! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This shape holds onto the sauce really well! If you’re out of penne, you can use any tubular pasta like rigatoni, or even bowties for a fun twist. Gluten-free pasta also works great for a gluten-free option.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds great flavor, but you can swap it out for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or mushrooms instead!
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices. However, feel free to mix it up! I enjoy adding gouda for a smoky flavor or pepper jack for some kick. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese alternatives.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the flavor of the dish. If you want a dairy-free version, use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. Just remember to adjust any salt in the recipe since salted butter will affect the dish’s saltiness.
How Do I Make the Best Garlic Butter Sauce?
Getting the garlic butter just right is crucial to this dish. Here’s a simple guide to ensure it shines:
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor—you’ll want to mince it just before cooking to keep it aromatic.
- Let the butter melt over medium heat and then add the garlic. Keep an eye on it; garlic burns quickly and can become bitter!
- If you like a bit of heat, toss in crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a little—you can always add more to suit your taste.
- Stir the garlic often until it’s golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. This step makes the butter rich and tasty, ready to coat the pasta!
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheesy Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef will take about 40 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and about 15-20 minutes for the meat and sauce. This is a quick and rewarding dish that your family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Penne Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (this usually takes about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to keep it warm.
2. Sauté the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook while breaking it apart with a spoon. This should take around 6-8 minutes or until it is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, and then remove the beef from the skillet. If there’s excess fat, drain it out and set the beef aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
Using the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic, and if you like a bit of heat, toss in the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
4. Combine Beef and Garlic Butter:
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine it with the buttery garlic mixture, letting all the flavors mix together.
5. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the drained penne pasta back to the skillet along with the milk or heavy cream. Stir everything together well until it’s warmed through and combined.
6. Add the Cheeses:
Reduce the heat to low, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta. Gently stir until the cheeses melt and the dish becomes creamy and gooey. It’s cheesy goodness!
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the dish and feel free to add more salt and pepper if needed. You can tweak it to fit your flavor preferences!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the cheesy penne hot for the best experience!
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy, and garlicky penne pasta with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary for different shapes.
What If I Don’t Have Ground Beef?
No problem! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or crumbled tofu for added protein!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Cheesy Penne can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before sealing! Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back some creaminess.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Penne! Store it in an airtight container or freeze it in individual portions. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
