Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Oh, you’re in for a treat! This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is one of those dishes that will have you coming back for seconds—trust me, it’s that good. Picture this: perfectly cooked penne pasta, smothered in rich, creamy garlic butter, and topped with juicy ground beef that’s bursting with flavor. It’s everything you want in a comfort meal, plus a little extra cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or need something crowd-pleasing for a weekend get-together, this dish has got you covered. It’s easy to make, utterly delicious, and will leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile

Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.

Budget-Friendly

Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.

Quick and Easy

Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.

Customizable

Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.

Crowd-Pleasing

A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s what makes this dish so mouthwatering—simple ingredients that come together in the most satisfying way:

Penne Pasta

The base of this dish! Penne pasta holds the garlic butter and beef beautifully, giving you the perfect bite every time.

Ground Beef

Tender and juicy ground beef that cooks up with all the garlic and butter—this is the heart of the dish, packing each bite with savory goodness.

Garlic Butter

A dreamy combination of butter and garlic. It coats the pasta, making every bite extra flavorful. Plus, the garlic adds a rich depth of flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.

Cheese

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both—melted cheese is the finishing touch that brings this dish over the top. It creates that creamy, gooey texture we all love.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures everything cooks perfectly, and you’ll get that golden, bubbly cheese crust we all crave.

Cook the Pasta

Boil your penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside—don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water to help bring everything together later!

Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat and brown your ground beef. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. This step brings out the full garlic flavor that makes the dish so irresistible.

Combine Pasta, Beef, and Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, add your cooked pasta and toss it with the garlic butter. If needed, add a bit of pasta water to help everything come together. Stir in the cooked beef and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the cheese over the pasta mixture, then transfer everything to a baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and serve hot! Garnish with some fresh herbs, if you like, and enjoy this cheesy, garlicky goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1 serving

Calories per serving: 530

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Fresh Salads

Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.

Crusty Bread

Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious garlic butter sauce left on your plate. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.

Vegetable Sides

Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.

As a Standalone

Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a finishing touch.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead

Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Spice It Up

Experiment with spices like cumin, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning to give the dish a unique twist.

Dietary Adjustments

If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular butter for dairy-free alternatives or choose gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Double the Batch

This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey?

A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef, and it’ll still give you a flavorful base for the dish.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Yes! Prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven to bake.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?

A4: Yes! Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: Absolutely! Just make sure you have a larger pan to accommodate the extra servings.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

A7: Yes! Simply swap out the penne pasta for a gluten-free variety, and you’re good to go!

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?

A8: Try pairing it with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even some garlic bread.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?

A9: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey and opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier version.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?

A10: A large oven-safe skillet works wonderfully, but if you don’t have one, a baking dish will do the job just fine.

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