Some days just call for a dish that is both comforting and satisfying, and Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is exactly that. This indulgent meal combines a creamy, cheesy sauce, tender penne pasta, and savory garlic butter ground beef to create a dish that will quickly become a go-to for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you crave something rich and delicious. It’s quick to make yet packed with flavors that will leave everyone coming back for more.
I first stumbled upon this recipe one night when I had some leftover ground beef and was craving something cheesy. The outcome was a mouthwatering combination of flavors that my family absolutely loved. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it comes together quickly and delivers a comforting meal in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 9-11 minutes) or until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Onion
- In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Add the heavy cream and beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and continue stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
Step 5: Combine the Beef and Pasta
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef to serving dishes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
The post Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef appeared first on Dieter24.
