This Cheesy Garlic Butter Penne with Ground Beef is a cozy dish that’s full of flavor! With tender pasta smothered in creamy garlic butter and topped with melted cheese, it’s a comfort food dream.
I love how quick it comes together—perfect for busy nights. Plus, who can resist the smell of garlic wafting through the kitchen? It’s a sure way to make everyone hungry and happy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This classic shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you’re out of penne, you can use ziti or fusilli instead. They both work well for creamy dishes.
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef, but feel free to swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a meatless version, you could use lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Butter and Garlic: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the dish. Don’t skip on the garlic; it adds a lot of flavor! If you need a dairy-free option, use olive oil and a garlic-infused alternative.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce might be less thick. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is gooey and delicious! You can substitute it with other melty cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack. Parmesan can be swapped with Pecorino Romano for a different flavor.
How Do You Make Sure Your Sauce Is Perfectly Creamy?
Getting your sauce just right is crucial for this dish. Here are some tips to create a perfect creamy texture:
- Start by sautéing the garlic and onion slowly to release their flavors without burning. This builds a solid foundation for your sauce.
- When adding heavy cream, keep the heat to a gentle simmer rather than a boil. High heat can cause the sauce to split or curdle.
- Stir in cheeses gradually and let them melt completely before adding anything else. This ensures a smooth, creamy sauce that sticks to the pasta.
- Adjust the thickness with more cream or cheese as needed. Always taste for seasoning; a pinch of salt can elevate the flavors.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Penne with Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
For the Meat:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheesy Garlic Butter Penne with Ground Beef takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick meal, perfect for weeknights!
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 done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and black pepper. Cook the beef until it is nicely browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a bowl. Set it aside for now.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Onion:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté these together for about 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and the onion is translucent. If you want a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to thicken slightly for around 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally!
5. Combine Meat and Cheeses:
Now, add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until they have melted and created a creamy sauce. The mixture should look delicious and inviting!
6. Toss the Pasta:
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta is well-coated with that cheesy garlic butter sauce. Take a moment to taste it and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and black pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat. For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle fresh parsley and basil over the top if you’d like. Now, scoop it out into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy your comfort food creation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to follow package instructions for cooking times, as they may vary from traditional pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich, so consider adding a little extra cheese for flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or even sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for added texture and flavor. Just leave out the meat and proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce if needed.
