Description
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish combining tender penne, savory ground beef cooked in garlic butter, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe balances hearty meatiness with creamy cheese and a hint of spice, finished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season beef: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using to flavor the beef mixture evenly.
- Simmer broth: Pour in the beef broth and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors and reduce slightly.
- Combine pasta and beef: Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the garlic butter beef sauce.
- Add cheeses: Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until the cheeses melt completely creating a creamy texture.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for garnish and serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef for a lighter dish.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to incorporate extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Double the cheese amounts for an even gooier, cheesier finish if desired.
- This dish reheats well; store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
