Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef | Easy Weeknight Meal

It’s a dish that combines the comforting familiarity of pasta with the savory depth of seasoned ground beef, all brought together with a delightful garlic butter sauce and a generous helping of cheese. This isn’t a fancy, over-complicated meal; it’s honest, delicious, and designed to be enjoyed by everyone around the table.

Why This Cheesy Penne Works

This dish truly stands out because of its straightforward approach to flavor. It leverages simple, readily available ingredients to create a deeply satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup beef broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Gathering your ingredients is the first crucial step to a smooth cooking experience. Having everything prepped and measured before you start actually cooking will make the process much more enjoyable and less prone to error.

How to Make It

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
8. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and beef mixture.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Following these steps systematically will lead you to a delicious, comforting plate of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce is truly satisfying.

Nutrition at a Glance

• This dish provides a good source of protein from the ground beef.
• It offers carbohydrates for energy from the pasta.
• The dairy components contribute calcium and fat.
• Portions should be considered when assessing overall nutritional impact.
• Seasonings add flavor without significantly impacting macronutrient counts.

How to Serve It

• Serve hot, directly from the skillet, for the most enjoyable cheese pull.
• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
• Crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce is always a welcome addition.
• Garlic bread is another excellent companion that echoes the flavors in the dish.

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but a few simple accompaniments can elevate the dining experience.

Don’t miss this delicious recipe: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Common Mistakes

• Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy pasta is never pleasant. Always cook your penne to al dente, meaning it should have a slight bite to it. It will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
• Not Draining Excess Grease: Skipping the step of draining the ground beef can lead to a greasy sauce that detracts from the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns very quickly, especially when minced. Add it towards the end of the sautéing process and stir constantly. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
• Forgetting to Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is liquid gold for pasta dishes. It helps emulsify the sauce, making it smoother and helping it adhere to the pasta strands.
• Adding Too Much Liquid at Once: When adjusting sauce consistency with pasta water, add it gradually. You can always add more, but you can’t easily take it away.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will ensure your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef turns out just as intended – flavorful, well-textured, and satisfying.

Storage and Reheating

• Store any leftover Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• When reheating, you can do so gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
• Microwaving is also an option; cover the dish loosely to prevent splattering and heat in intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Avoid overheating, as this can make the pasta mushy and the sauce oily.

Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef even after the initial meal.

Leftover Ideas

• Pasta Frittata: Mix leftover pasta with a couple of beaten eggs, some extra cheese (if you have it), and any leftover vegetables. Cook in a non-stick skillet like a frittata for a creative breakfast or brunch.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Combine the leftover pasta and beef mixture with some cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and your favorite seasonings. Stuff into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake until tender.
• Shepherd’s Pie Topping: Use the leftover Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef as a hearty topping for a classic Shepherd’s Pie. Layer it in the bottom of a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake.
• Creamy Pasta Bake: Transfer leftovers to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella and perhaps some breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Don’t let those delicious leftovers go to waste! With a little creativity, your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef can be transformed into a whole new meal.

Print