This Easy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef is a comforting dish that’s really fun to make! Packed with gooey cheese, tender pasta, and flavorful beef, it’s a winner for any meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This classic shape holds the cheese sauce well. If you want to switch things up, try rigatoni or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta works great too!
Ground Beef: For a leaner option, turkey or chicken can be used instead. I sometimes mix in some sausage for extra flavor!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds amazing flavor! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but you’ll need more—about 1 tsp for each clove.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that stretchy cheese effect, but if you prefer a sharp flavor, try cheddar or gouda instead. Use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter dish, substitute with half-and-half or even milk. For dairy-free, use coconut milk or a creamy almond milk.
How Do I Make My Garlic Butter Beef Super Flavorful?
Cooking the beef with garlic might seem easy, but it’s essential to do it right to get great flavor. Here’s how:
- Cook ground beef until it’s nicely browned to develop flavor. Don’t rush this; it can take 5-7 minutes!
- Keep the heat at medium when adding the butter and garlic. Garlic cooks quickly and can burn, leading to bitterness.
- Stir the garlic into the beef after it’s fragrant for best taste. You want that garlic flavor mixed throughout!
Follow these steps for a deliciously garlicky finish that everyone will love!
Easy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes on prep and cooking the pasta, and another 20 minutes making the beef sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). When done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season it with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s any excess grease, feel free to drain it off.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Now, push the beef to one side of the skillet, and add the butter and minced garlic to the other side. Cook the garlic in the butter until it becomes fragrant, which should take about a minute.
4. Mix Ingredients:
Stir the garlic butter into the beef. Then add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking everything together for another minute to mix the flavors.
5. Add Cream and Cheese:
Pour in the heavy cream and give it a good stir, letting the mixture heat through but making sure it doesn’t come to a boil. Next, reduce the heat to medium-low and add in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until they melt and create a creamy sauce.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss it gently to coat evenly with the cheesy garlic butter beef sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta is covered in that delicious mixture!
7. Final Touches:
Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Easy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef is ready to enjoy! Serve it warm, and get ready for some compliments!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even bowtie. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a lower-fat milk alternative, ensuring to keep the flavors intact!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or sauté some vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for added flavor and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You might add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens!
