Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef! This dish is everything I love about cooking rolled into one hearty bowl. Picture tender penne pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce that’s just bursting with flavor from the garlic and savory ground beef. Honestly, it’s a game-changer on those busy weeknights when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. I can still remember the first time I made this—it was love at first bite! The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter fills the kitchen, and you just know it’s going to be a hit. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked too!
Ingredients for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
- First things first, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on the clock—about 8-10 minutes should do the trick. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside. This pasta is the heart of our dish!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Oh, the smell of butter melting is just divine! Once it’s all melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—nobody likes burnt garlic.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, and season it generously with salt and pepper. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Now, it’s time to stir in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting all those delicious flavors mingle. After a minute or two, add in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is melted and creamy—this is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
- Finally, add the cooked penne to the skillet. Toss it all together until the pasta is well-coated with that cheesy, garlicky goodness. Serve it up hot, and watch everyone swoon over your creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, savory flavors from the garlic butter and ground beef that make each bite irresistible.
- Comforting, cheesy goodness that warms you from the inside out.
- Hearty ingredients that satisfy even the biggest appetites.
- One-pan meal means less cleanup, which I always appreciate!
Tips for Success with Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
To truly elevate your cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skimp on the garlic—if you love garlic as much as I do, feel free to add an extra clove or two for that bold flavor. Also, when you’re cooking the ground beef, make sure to let it brown nicely; this adds a depth of flavor that’s just divine.
If you want to sneak in some veggies, consider adding a handful of fresh spinach or diced bell peppers when you sauté the garlic. They’ll add color and nutrition without overpowering the dish. And remember, this recipe is super forgiving! Adjust the cheese amounts based on your taste—more cheese equals more goodness! Finally, don’t forget to taste as you go—you’ll be amazed at how a little extra seasoning can transform the dish!
Variations of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Want to mix things up a bit? There are so many fun variations you can try with this cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef! For a bit of a kick, why not add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce while the beef is cooking? It’ll give the dish a lovely warmth that’s just perfect!
If you’re looking to add some veggies, consider tossing in some sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even broccoli. They not only add color but also a nice crunch! And if you’re a fan of different cheeses, swap out the mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack for a fun twist. You can even make it a creamy pesto penne by stirring in a few tablespoons of pesto along with the cream. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef. Each serving packs about 600 calories, with 35 grams of fat and 30 grams of protein, making it a hearty dish to fuel your day. You’ll also get around 50 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to adjust based on your personal dietary needs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef left over? Lucky you! This dish stores beautifully. Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re like me and want to have a tasty meal on hand for later, you can also freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. It should be good for about 2 months in the freezer.
When it’s time to reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then, transfer it to a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen it up and bring back that creamy texture. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through and ready to enjoy again. You can also use the microwave, but I recommend doing it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure it heats evenly. Enjoy the leftovers just as much as the first time around!
FAQ About Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce, you can swap it out for any pasta shape you love, like rigatoni or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute it with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that it may not be as rich and creamy, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare everything up to the point of combining the pasta and sauce. Just let it cool, store it in the fridge, and then reheat when you’re ready to enjoy. Just add a splash of cream while reheating to keep it creamy.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Oh, for sure! Kids typically love cheesy dishes, and the ground beef adds a hearty touch that makes it filling. You can even sneak in some veggies to make it a bit healthier without them noticing!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with your favorite meat substitute or even some sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a satisfying vegetarian option. Just make sure to season well to keep those flavors up!
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
To make your cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef even more delightful, consider serving it with a crisp side salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette really complements the richness of the pasta. You could also add some garlic bread on the side—trust me, it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce! If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this delicious meal with your favorite glass of wine or a refreshing iced tea for the ultimate dining experience!
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef for Cozy Nights
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
Cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef is a rich and savory dish. It combines tender pasta with flavorful beef and a creamy cheese sauce.
Składniki
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked penne to the skillet and mix well to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Uwagi
- Adjust cheese quantity based on your preference.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 600
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 35g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 20g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 50g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Słowa kluczowe: cheesy penne, garlic butter, ground beef, pasta dish
