This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef is a comforting dish that combines creamy cheese sauce, tender penne pasta, and flavorful beef. It’s cheesy, buttery, and downright wonderful!
You can’t go wrong with pasta and cheese, right? If I’m feeling fancy, I might toss in some herbs for a pop! This dish is perfect for when you want a simple and tasty dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape is ideal for holding onto the sauce. If you don’t have penne, you can swap it for any short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli for a similar texture.
Ground Beef: Ground beef is flavorful, but you could use ground turkey, chicken, or even veggie crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just season well to enhance the flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect for this dish as it allows you to control the salt. If you prefer, you can use olive oil entirely instead of butter for a healthier twist.
Heavy Cream: This keeps the sauce rich and creamy. If you want a lighter version, you might replace it with half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Cheese: I love the stretchiness of mozzarella! However, feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a vegan cheese if you’re dairy-free. Parmesan adds a nice bite, but if you don’t have it, any hard cheese works!
How Do I Get My Cheese Sauce Extra Creamy?
Making sure your cheese sauce is creamy is easier than you think! Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Use low heat when melting the cheese to prevent it from clumping.
- Add cheese gradually into the warm cream mixture, stirring continuously. This helps it melt evenly.
- If your sauce seems too thick, you can stir in a splash more of milk or cream to loosen it up.
- Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted before adding the pasta. This will give you a smooth, creamy sauce every time!
Don’t hesitate to personalize your dish with herbs or spices according to your taste. Enjoy making this delicious meal!
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Beef:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus around 20 minutes of cooking time. It’s a quick and comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Beef:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic next, and cook for about 1 minute, stirring until it’s fragrant.
4. Create the Sauce:
Return the browned ground beef back to the skillet and mix it with the garlic and onion. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine everything smoothly. Gradually sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce turns creamy.
5. Combine the Pasta:
If you’d like, add the dried Italian seasoning for extra flavor, and adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Next, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, mixing well to ensure every piece is coated evenly with the cheesy sauce.
6. Final Touches:
Let the dish cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to warm through. Once ready, serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef! It’s creamy, hearty, and simply irresistible!
FAQ about Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat penne for a healthier option or gluten-free penne if you have dietary restrictions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, following the package instructions for the specific pasta you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce is too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use dairy-free cheese options for the mozzarella and Parmesan to keep it creamy and flavorful.
What Other Proteins Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
You can easily replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes to suit your preference. Just make sure to season well to enhance the flavor!
