Description
A delicious and comforting Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, featuring tender pasta tossed in a savory garlic butter sauce with seasoned ground beef and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a quick and satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: 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 the garlic.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season Beef: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in beef broth and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the beef and garlic butter sauce.
- Melt Cheeses: Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and creates a creamy texture coating the pasta and beef.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the skillet for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Double the amount of cheese for a richer, gooier finish.
- This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
