This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a decadent, comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The creamy garlic butter sauce pairs perfectly with the savory beef and the al dente penne, creating a satisfying meal that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting friends for a cozy evening, this pasta dish is sure to impress. It’s simple, yet bursting with flavor, and the creamy Parmesan sauce adds the perfect touch of richness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color, while red pepper flakes offer an optional kick. It’s the ultimate comfort food made in no time!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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3 cups penne pasta
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
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Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
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Add the butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
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Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Background of the Recipe
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the perfect example of a comfort food dish that brings together simplicity and flavor in a wonderful harmony. This recipe takes inspiration from classic Italian pasta dishes while adding a twist with garlic butter and ground beef. It combines the richness of cheese with the savory depth of beef, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The creamy, velvety sauce envelops every piece of pasta, while the seasoned ground beef adds a hearty touch that takes this pasta meal from good to great.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The al dente penne provides a satisfying bite, the creamy garlic butter sauce makes every bite melt in your mouth, and the ground beef adds a savory depth to the dish. Whether you’re preparing this for a casual family dinner or a more special gathering, this recipe has everything you need to impress and fill up hungry bellies.
Why This Recipe is the Best
One of the main reasons Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef stands out as a top choice for a meal is its balance of indulgence and practicality. In today’s fast-paced world, many people are looking for meals that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. This recipe offers exactly that. With minimal prep time and a relatively short cooking time, you can serve a mouthwatering meal in under 30 minutes—making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or even last-minute dinner parties.
Another standout feature of this dish is its versatility. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian alternative like lentils or plant-based meat. The creamy garlic butter sauce pairs perfectly with virtually any protein, so feel free to experiment.
Benefits of the Dish
- Quick and Easy to Prepare
One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is its speed. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a full, satisfying meal on the table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal but don’t have the time for lengthy preparations. The ingredients are simple, yet they come together to create a rich and flavorful dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. - Comforting and Satisfying
At its core, this recipe is all about comfort food. The creamy, cheesy sauce with savory ground beef feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. It’s filling, hearty, and truly satisfying, making it the perfect dish to enjoy after a long day or on a cozy night in. - Customizable to Suit Your Taste
Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or prefer something mild, this dish is easily adaptable. You can add red pepper flakes for an extra kick, or reduce the garlic if you’re looking for a more subtle flavor. The versatility of the ingredients also allows you to add extra veggies, such as mushrooms or spinach, to increase the dish’s nutritional value without sacrificing its flavor. - Perfect for Meal Prepping
One of the most convenient aspects of this recipe is that it works perfectly for meal prepping. The dish holds up well in the fridge for a few days, making it an excellent choice for making ahead of time. Simply prepare a large batch, portion it out, and you’ll have delicious meals ready to go throughout the week. - Kid-Friendly and Family Approved
Kids tend to gravitate toward cheesy pasta dishes, and this one is no exception. The combination of cheese and ground beef makes it appealing to even the pickiest eaters. With this dish, you can rest assured that everyone at the table will be satisfied, whether they’re adults or children.
How to Elevate the Dish
While this dish is delicious as-is, there are ways to elevate it to make it even more special. One great way to do this is by adding a crunchy topping, such as breadcrumbs, and baking it in the oven for a few minutes to create a crispy crust on top. This gives the dish a nice texture contrast between the creamy inside and the crunchy exterior. Alternatively, you could sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme, to give the dish an extra layer of freshness.
If you want to make the dish a bit lighter without compromising on flavor, you could swap the heavy cream for a lighter cream or even milk. You could also try using a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella, to add more stringiness or texture to the dish. The possibilities for customization are endless, making it easy to create a version of this dish that suits your taste.
Pairing Suggestions
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a rich and flavorful dish, so it’s important to pair it with sides that complement, rather than overpower, its taste. Here are a few great options:
- Garlic Bread
There’s no better pairing for pasta than garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky goodness of the bread perfectly complements the richness of the cheesy pasta. It’s also great for soaking up any leftover sauce! - A Fresh Green Salad
A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the creamy heaviness of the pasta. The crisp greens and zesty dressing add a refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness. - Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers can add a colorful and nutritious side dish to your meal. The slight caramelization of roasted veggies pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.
The Versatility of Garlic Butter
Garlic butter is an ingredient that elevates so many dishes, and in this recipe, it works its magic by bringing a rich, savory element to the penne and ground beef. The butter’s natural richness pairs well with the sharpness of the garlic, and the two together create a sauce that is both creamy and flavorful. This combination is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. It’s the foundation for so many other dishes, from garlic butter shrimp to roasted vegetables, making it a staple in many kitchens.
Healthier Alternatives
Although this dish is a crowd-pleaser, if you’re looking to make it a bit lighter or healthier, there are some easy swaps you can make without compromising the flavor:
- Use Whole Wheat Penne: For a bit more fiber, you can substitute regular penne with whole wheat penne.
- Lean Ground Beef: If you’re concerned about the fat content, opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey for a healthier protein option.
- Low-Fat Dairy: You can also substitute heavy cream with a lighter cream or use a combination of milk and reduced-fat cream cheese to create a similar creamy consistency with fewer calories.
- Add More Veggies: For added nutrition, you can mix in spinach, mushrooms, or even peas into the sauce for extra fiber and vitamins.
Conclusion
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a dish that checks all the boxes—quick, easy, comforting, and delicious. It’s the ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you want to make something that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it to your family or hosting a dinner party, this creamy, cheesy pasta is sure to impress. The recipe’s versatility makes it a great starting point for experimentation, and it can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences. With its balance of savory ground beef, creamy garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked penne, this meal is bound to become a staple in your household. Don’t hesitate to try it—you won’t be disappointed!
