Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef

$- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this cheesy penne with garlic butter beef, you need fresh ingredients. Start with penne pasta, which cooks perfectly and holds sauce well. Ground beef gives the dish a hearty base. Use unsalted butter for a rich flavor, and don't forget the garlic—it adds a wonderful aroma and taste. The heavy cream makes the sauce creamy, while mozzarella and Parmesan add that cheesy goodness. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley not only adds color but also a nice fresh taste. This dish is easy to make and comes together quickly. I recommend gathering all your ingredients before you start cooking. This makes the process smooth and fun. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Enjoy your cooking! - Bringing Water to a Boil: Start by filling a large pot with water. Place it over high heat. Wait until it bubbles fiercely. - Cooking Time and Water Salting: Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Add 12 oz of penne to the water and cook for about 10-12 minutes. You want it al dente, or firm to the bite. - Draining and Setting Aside: After cooking, carefully drain the pasta in a colander. Set the penne aside while you prepare the beef. - Cooking Method and Duration: In a large skillet, heat it over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef to the pan. Stir it often for about 6-8 minutes. You want it browned and cooked through. - Draining Excess Fat: Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat. This keeps your dish from being greasy and heavy. - Reducing Heat and Adding Ingredients: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet with the beef. - Cooking Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Once the butter melts, stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like heat). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the garlic smells amazing. - Thickening the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well to blend with the beef and garlic. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken a bit. - Mixing in Cheeses and Seasoning: Gradually add 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Adding Penne to Sauce: Now, it’s time to add the cooked penne to the skillet. - Tossing and Coating: Gently toss the pasta in the sauce. Make sure every piece is coated in that cheesy goodness. - Presentation Tips: Serve the cheesy penne in individual bowls. For a special touch, sprinkle extra cheese and fresh parsley on top. - Optional Side Suggestions: For a great side, consider garlic bread. It pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and adds a nice crunch. For the full recipe, check below to get all the details! - Choosing the Best Ground Beef: Always select ground beef with some fat. A blend of 80/20 (meat to fat) gives flavor and juiciness. This ratio helps keep the beef moist while cooking. - Seasoning Recommendations: Season the beef with salt and pepper right after it browns. This adds flavor and enhances the beef's taste. For extra kick, add garlic powder or onion powder. - Tips for Cream Consistency: Use heavy cream for a rich sauce. If it's too thick, just add a splash of pasta water. This helps balance the sauce without losing flavor. - Cheese Selection for Optimal Flavor: Mix mozzarella and Parmesan for the best taste. Mozzarella melts well, while Parmesan adds depth. Try to use freshly grated cheese for a smoother texture. - Prepping Ingredients in Advance: Chop garlic and measure out cheese ahead of time. This cuts down cooking time and keeps you organized. - Cooking Efficiently: Cook the pasta and beef at the same time. While the pasta boils, brown the beef. This saves time and helps everything come together quickly. For the full recipe, check out the delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef. {{image_2}} You can easily switch the protein in this dish. Ground turkey or chicken works well. Both options keep it light yet tasty. If you want a vegetarian dish, try using tofu or a mix of veggies. Tofu absorbs flavors well and adds a nice texture. You can sauté bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. This change makes the dish colorful and packed with nutrients. Feel free to get creative with the sauce. Adding different cheeses can change the whole flavor. You can use cheddar for a sharper taste or gouda for a smoky twist. Incorporating herbs and spices can also elevate your dish. Basil, oregano, or even a pinch of thyme can add depth. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors, too. If you need a gluten-free option, try gluten-free pasta. It cooks similarly and absorbs the sauce well. You can also explore other pasta shapes for different textures. Fusilli or rigatoni can add fun to your plate. Each shape holds sauce differently, giving you a new experience with every bite. For the full recipe, check out the details above and get cooking! After enjoying your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep the dish fresh. It’s best to store it within two hours of cooking. The dish will stay good in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. For freezing, allow the dish to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date, so you know when you made it. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, I recommend reheating on the stove. Place the penne in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help keep it moist. Stir periodically until heated through, which should take about five to seven minutes. You can also use the microwave if you're short on time. Place the penne in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to trap moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. This method will help avoid a dry texture. How long will the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef last? In the fridge, it can last three to four days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for up to three months. To tell if the dish has gone bad, check for any off smells or changes in color. If the cheese looks separated or the sauce has separated, it’s best to discard it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it. First, cook the penne and beef as directed. Let them cool before storing. Use airtight containers to keep them fresh. You can refrigerate for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream if it looks dry. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. Yes, you can use alternatives to heavy cream. Options include half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use plant-based milk, like almond or cashew, for a lighter version. Just note that these swaps may change the creaminess of the sauce. If you use milk, add a bit of flour to thicken it. This will help maintain that rich texture you love. This dish pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread complements the meal nicely. Steamed vegetables also work well, adding color and nutrients. If you want more flavor, serve with a side of roasted broccoli or zucchini. These sides balance the richness of the penne and beef. Yes, this recipe is great for kids! It’s cheesy and flavorful without being too spicy. To make it even kid-friendlier, you can reduce the red pepper flakes. You can also add some diced veggies like bell peppers or peas for extra color. Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy taste. It’s a meal they will enjoy! In this post, you learned how to make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef. We covered every step, from cooking the pasta to making your sauce creamy. I shared tips on ingredient choices and smart storage methods. Remember, you can make this dish your own with different proteins or pasta types. Don't forget, leftovers can last and be reheated well. Enjoy your cooking, and impress your family with this tasty meal!$

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef

Indulge in this delicious recipe for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef that will delight your taste buds! Enjoy the creamy blend of mozzarella and Parmesan mixed with perfectly cooked penne pasta and savory ground beef. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for dinner any night of the week. Ready to create this mouthwatering meal? Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends!

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Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb ground beef

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Create Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to low and add the unsalted butter to the skillet with the beef. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Incorporate Cheese: Gradually mix in both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the beef and cheese sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the cheesy sauce.

Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to serving dishes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve in individual bowls topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh parsley. For added flair, include a slice of garlic bread on the side.