Description
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a delicious and comforting pasta dish combining tender penne, savory ground beef cooked in garlic butter, and a rich cheesy sauce with mozzarella and parmesan. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasonings
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: Stir in the butter to the beef mixture until melted. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat all the pasta evenly in the cheesy beef sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting cheesy penne dish.
Notes
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion.
- You can substitute penne with any pasta shape like rigatoni or rotini.
- Use low-fat cream and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
- Freshly grated cheeses melt better than pre-shredded options.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
