Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight lifesaver – this cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef! I’ve lost count of how many times this dish has saved me when the kids are hangry and I need something delicious on the table fast. It’s one of those magical recipes where simple ingredients transform into something so much greater than the sum of its parts. After testing this recipe more times than I can remember (and tweaking it based on my family’s brutally honest feedback), I’ve perfected the balance of garlicky butter, savory beef, and that irresistible melted cheese clinging to every noodle. The best part? It comes together in 30 minutes flat – which means more time for second helpings and less time stressing over dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Let me count the ways this dish will become your new go-to:
- Weeknight superhero – Done in 30 minutes flat, even on those “I forgot to plan dinner” nights
- Flavor explosion – That garlic butter coating every bite of pasta and beef? Pure magic
- Kid-approved (and picky-eater tested) – My children actually beg for seconds of this one!
- One pan wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time for eating (or collapsing on the couch)
- Comfort in a bowl – Cheesy, carb-y goodness that feels like a hug for your stomach
Trust me, this is the recipe you’ll keep coming back to when you need something delicious without the fuss.
Ingredients for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this garlicky, cheesy masterpiece – and trust me, quality matters here:
- 8 oz penne pasta – The ridges hold onto all that garlic butter goodness
- 1 lb ground beef – I use 85/15 for the perfect meaty texture
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best! None of that jarred stuff
- 2 tbsp butter – Real butter makes all the difference
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Buy a block and grate it yourself for creamier melting
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan – The good stuff from the refrigerated section
- 1/2 tsp salt – Adjust to taste after cooking
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked if you’ve got it
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – My secret for a little kick
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley – For that fresh pop of color and flavor
See? Nothing fancy – just simple ingredients that work magic together. Now let’s get cooking!
Equipment You’ll Need
Gather these trusty kitchen tools – I bet you’ve got most of them already:
- Large skillet – Big enough to hold all that pasta and beef (I use my 12-inch cast iron)
- Wooden spoon – Perfect for breaking up the beef without scratching your pan
- Colander – For draining that perfect al dente pasta
- Measuring cups – Because eyeballing cheese amounts never ends well in my kitchen!
That’s it! No fancy gadgets required for this simple, satisfying meal.
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Alright, let’s dive into making this glorious dish step by step – I promise it’s easier than you think!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first: get that pasta water boiling! I always use a big pot with plenty of salted water (tastes like the sea, as they say). Cook your penne just until al dente – about 1 minute less than the package says. Trust me, you want that slight bite since it’ll keep cooking later with the beef. Drain it but save about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for adjusting consistency later!
Browning the Garlic Butter Ground Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat your skillet over medium and melt that glorious butter. When it’s just starting to bubble, toss in your minced garlic – you’ll know it’s ready when the smell makes your stomach growl (about 1 minute). Don’t let it brown though! Add your ground beef next, breaking it into small pieces with your wooden spoon as it cooks. Spread it out in the pan so it browns properly – overcrowding makes it steam instead of getting those delicious crispy bits. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
Combining and Melting the Cheese
Now the fun part! Toss your drained penne into the skillet with the beef and give everything a good stir – those ridges will grab onto all that garlic butter goodness. Turn the heat down to low before sprinkling on your cheeses (this prevents them from getting grainy). I like to do half first, stir gently, then add the rest. Cover for just 2 minutes – the residual heat will melt everything perfectly without scorching. If it looks too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and dig in while it’s piping hot – that first cheesy, garlicky bite is pure heaven!
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to make it absolutely perfect every single time:
- Grate your own cheese – Those pre-shredded bags have anti-caking agents that make the cheese melt weird. A few extra minutes with a box grater makes all the difference!
- Don’t skip the pasta water – That starchy liquid is magic for bringing everything together when the cheese sets up a bit too thick.
- Toast your garlic – Just until fragrant! Burnt garlic will ruin everything, but golden, aromatic garlic makes the dish.
- Undercook the pasta – It keeps cooking when you mix everything, so al dente means perfect texture in the final dish.
Follow these simple tips and you’ll have restaurant-quality cheesy penne every time – promise!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Now let’s talk about making this recipe your own! One of the best things about this cheesy penne is how forgiving it is – I’ve tweaked it a dozen ways when I’m missing ingredients or feeling adventurous. Here are my favorite variations that have all passed the family taste test:
Meat swaps: Not feeling beef? Ground turkey works beautifully (just add an extra tablespoon of butter for richness). For a lighter option, I’ve used ground chicken too. Vegetarian? Try meatless crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for that hearty texture.
Cheese options: While cheddar and parmesan are my go-to, mozzarella makes it extra stretchy (my kids’ favorite). For a sharper bite, swap in some gruyère or fontina. Dairy-free? Violife’s vegan cheddar melts surprisingly well!
Pasta picks: Gluten-free penne works great here – just watch the cook time. Sometimes I use rigatoni when that’s all I have on hand. The important thing is using a pasta shape with nooks to hold all that cheesy goodness.
The beauty of this recipe? It’s a perfect canvas for whatever ingredients you’ve got on hand. Just keep that magical garlic butter base, and you really can’t go wrong!
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this cheesy penne – it’s all about those perfect pairings! A crusty garlic bread is non-negotiable in my house (perfect for scooping up every last cheesy bit). If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toss together a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For garnishes, extra parsley gives a fresh pop, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just the right kick. Sometimes I’ll even grate a little extra parmesan at the table – because can you ever really have too much cheese? Serve it straight from the skillet for that cozy, family-style vibe we all love!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Okay, let’s be real – leftovers rarely happen with this dish in my house! But if you somehow manage to have some, here’s how to keep it tasting amazing. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I always use the stovetop with a splash of water or milk – the microwave makes the cheese weirdly rubbery. Just warm it gently over low heat, stirring often until it’s creamy again. Pro tip: sprinkle a little fresh cheese on top before serving to bring back that just-made magic!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting serving (based on my best estimates): about 520 calories, with 32g of that satisfying protein from the beef and cheese. It’s got 24g of fat (that glorious butter and cheese at work!) and 45g of carbs to fuel you through the evening. Remember, these numbers are just ballpark figures – your exact amounts might vary depending on your specific ingredients. But let’s be honest – when something tastes this good, sometimes the numbers just don’t matter as much as that first heavenly bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, let’s tackle those burning questions I get about this cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef – because trust me, after making it for every potluck and weeknight dinner under the sun, I’ve heard them all!
Can I freeze this dish? Oh honey, I wish! But honestly, frozen then thawed cheese just doesn’t play nice – it gets grainy and separates. This is one of those “eat it fresh” miracles that’s totally worth making in the moment.
How can I make it spicier? My trick? Double (or triple!) those red pepper flakes when browning the beef. Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of cayenne too if I’m feeling wild. For real heat lovers, a drizzle of hot honey at the end is life-changing!
Can I use jarred minced garlic? Look, I won’t judge (we’ve all been there), but fresh garlic makes all the difference in this recipe. That said, if you must, use 1 teaspoon of the jarred stuff per clove – but promise me you’ll try fresh next time?
Why does my cheese get clumpy? Been there! The key is LOW heat when melting – high temp makes cheese seize up. Also, always shred your own – those pre-shredded bags have weird coatings that don’t melt smoothly. For more information on how heat affects dairy proteins, you can check out resources on food science principles.
Rate This Recipe
Did you make this cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a star rating below – your feedback helps me create more recipes we’ll all love. If you are looking for other quick dinner ideas, check out my French Onion Chicken Recipe.
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30-Minute Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Bliss
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty and flavorful dish combining penne pasta with garlic butter ground beef and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
- Add cooked penne to the skillet. Mix with the beef and garlic butter.
- Sprinkle cheddar and parmesan cheese over the pasta. Cover and let melt for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cheesy penne, garlic butter beef, pasta recipe