Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Delight

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

May 26, 2025

Updated:

May 26, 2025

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There’s something magical about the aroma of garlic butter wafting through the kitchen, mingling with the heartwarming scent of cheesy pasta. Picture this: a steaming bowl of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, bubbling and begging to be devoured. You can almost hear it whispering promises of comfort and deliciousness, enticing you to take that first delightful bite.

Every occasion feels special when this dish graces the table—family dinners, casual gatherings, or even those nights when cooking for one means treating yourself like royalty. The memories tied to this recipe will leave you smiling long after the last forkful has disappeared.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a breeze to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
The creamy cheesy goodness paired with savory beef creates an irresistible flavor explosion
With its rich colors and mouthwatering aroma, it’s a showstopper on any dinner table
Adaptable for picky eaters, you can easily customize ingredients to suit your family’s taste

I remember the first time I served Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef to my friends—they went silent for a moment as they took their first bites before erupting into a chorus of “YUM!” It was definitely a hit.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Penne Pasta: Choose whole wheat or regular penne based on your preference; both work beautifully in this recipe.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef gives you that savory depth without too much grease; feel free to swap for turkey if desired.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must; it adds that aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning; it melts beautifully and enhances flavor.
Heavy Cream: This decadent ingredient helps create that luscious cheesy sauce we all love; don’t skimp on it!
Cheddar Cheese: Shred your own for maximum meltiness; sharp cheddar adds an extra layer of flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan provides a lovely salty contrast and an Italian flair—don’t leave it out!
Salt and Pepper: Always season your dishes generously; they bring all the flavors together brilliantly.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish visually and adds a touch of freshness.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Penne Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to enhance flavor and then toss in penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.

Sauté the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbled, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary for a leaner meal.

Add Garlic and Butter: Lower heat slightly before adding minced garlic and butter into the skillet. Stir frequently until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes—this step releases all that buttery goodness!

Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Allow it to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened; this transforms your dish into creamy magic.

Add Cheese Galore: Gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese followed by grated parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth—a heavenly sight indeed!

Toss Everything Together: Finally, combine cooked penne with the cheesy beef mixture in the skillet. Mix thoroughly to ensure every noodle is coated in that glorious sauce—your taste buds will thank you!

Now that you’ve crafted this delightful Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef masterpiece, go ahead and serve it up! Garnish with fresh parsley if using, and prepare for compliments from everyone at your dinner table—trust me, they won’t stop raving about this one!

You Must Know

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comfort food classic that combines savory flavors and gooey cheese
This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
The aroma of garlic butter will have everyone at your table ready to dig in

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sauté the ground beef first until browned, then cook the penne while melting the garlic butter for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out penne for another pasta, or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfect cheesy penne, always salt your pasta water generously
This enhances the pasta’s flavor tremendously
Avoid overcooking the beef; it should be browned but not dry
Lastly, use freshly grated cheese for a creamier texture and richer taste

Sharing this dish with my friends brought back memories of college nights spent bonding over cheesy pasta and laughter—it never gets old!

FAQ

What kind of cheese is best for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef?

Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for optimal cheesiness and flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian option.

How can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give your cheesy penne an extra kick!

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