Boy, oh boy! Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is my all-time favorite comfort food. This dish is a mainstay in my kitchen, and to be honest, I can’t decide whether I or my family enjoy it more! The combination of the flavorful garlic butter beef, soft penne pasta, and cheesy goodness just makes my taste buds sing.
I recall making this for the first time on a hectic weeknight when I was in dire need of something tasty, filling, and quick. I decided to make some penne after searching my pantry. The delightful aroma filled the room as we sat at the dinner table, and my family was eager to start eating. The children fell in love the moment they took that first bite! Our meal plan started incorporating it on a weekly basis, and it continues to be as popular as it was the first time.
Without further ado, let’s explore what makes this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef so delicious.
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef: What Is It?
This recipe is straightforward but bursting with flavor. Allow me to dissect the primary components for you:
Penne pasta is a type of tubular pasta that is excellent at retaining cheese and sauces. For a healthier twist, I typically use whole wheat penne, but regular or gluten-free penne also works well.
The main protein in this dish is ground beef. In order to maintain its meatiness while maintaining its healthfulness, I prefer to use lean ground beef. If you want a lighter version, you could use ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute.
Butter: Butter, indeed! This is where the deep garlic flavor really begins to emerge. Using high-quality unsalted butter gives this dish a creamy finish, so I wouldn’t cut corners.
Garlic: Anyone’s mouth will water at the scent of sautéed garlic. Minced garlic from a jar works well in an emergency, but I prefer fresh garlic cloves.
Cheese: It’s impossible to overlook cheese! That delicious gooeyness is achieved by combining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Try your favorites, such as pepper jack for a little kick.
Onion: Chopped onion gives the beef flavor and depth. Usually, I use white or yellow onions.
Seasonings: This dish is enhanced by a dash of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as parsley or basil, you can use them to add even more freshness.
Chicken broth: This enhances the dish’s flavor. Low-sodium broth is a great way to maintain balance.
After listing the ingredients, let’s discuss the health advantages and factors to take into account.
Can You Eat Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef?
You know, this dish has some nutritional value in addition to being a filling, cozy meal!
Penne pasta is a fantastic carbohydrate source that gives us the energy we need all day long. For more fiber, choose penne made from whole wheat or legumes.
Rich in protein, ground beef is necessary for tissue repair and muscle growth. Just watch the fat content—lean ground beef is a good option.
Butter: Although it gives the dish depth, use it sparingly! For a heart-healthy alternative, you could use half the butter and half olive oil.
Did you know that garlic can strengthen your immune system? It can also help with heart health. Garlic is so delicious that you can never go wrong with a little more of it!
Cheese: Calcium, which is excellent for bones, is found in cheese. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as it may also contain a lot of calories.
The comforting nature of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef should be counterbalanced by an abundance of vegetables, either in the dish or on the side!
List of Ingredients
Twelve ounces of penne pasta (approximately four servings)
One pound of lean ground beef, four tablespoons of unsalted butter, and four minced garlic cloves (or more if you’re a garlic fan)
One medium onion, chopped
Two cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded
One cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
One cup of low-sodium chicken broth
One teaspoon of Italian seasoning (or more, to taste) and salt and pepper to taste
How Can Garlic Butter Ground Beef Be Used to Make Cheesy Penne?
Are you prepared to start cooking? Now let’s get started!
To begin cooking the penne pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. After it’s boiling, add your penne pasta and cook it until it’s al dente, following the directions on the package. To keep it from sticking, be sure to stir from time to time. Drain and set aside when finished. Remember to save about a cup of the pasta water; you never know when you might need it!
2. Sauté the garlic and onions: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. After it’s melted and bubbling, add the chopped onion and cook for two to three minutes, or until it’s soft. Add the minced garlic after that. In order to prevent burnt garlic, don’t leave at this point. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Prepare the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. As it cooks, break it up with a wooden spoon. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any extra grease that may be present.
4. **Combine All of This:** Add the chicken broth to the cooked beef and onion mixture. Mix everything together, scraping up any delicious bits that have gotten stuck to the skillet’s bottom. Bring to a simmer for approximately three minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.
5. Add the pasta and cheese: It’s time to combine now! When the beef and broth are in the skillet, add the cooked penne. Stir thoroughly. Gently mix in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they melt and everything is well combined. Use a little of the pasta water you set aside to thin out the mixture if it seems too thick.
6. **Final Details:** As necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or garlic. To allow everything to come together beautifully, take it off the heat and leave it for a few minutes.
7. Present and Savor: If you’re feeling fancy, top the bowls of cheesy penne with extra cheese or fresh herbs. Prepare yourself because your family and friends will want seconds—or thirds!
Delicious Twists and Cheesy Penne Tips
Comfort food is something I adore modifying, and this Cheesy Penne is no different! Here are some entertaining suggestions to change things up:
**Packed with vegetables:** For added nutrition, chop some bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach and add them to the sautéed onions. Finally, you can add frozen peas.
The Cheesy Versions: Try trying a variety of cheeses! This dish can be transformed with the addition of gouda, Parmesan, or even a dollop of cream cheese for added creaminess!
– **Incorporate Spice:** Add some red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese if you like a little kick.
**Make it Saucy:** Before you stir in the cheese and pasta, try adding a can of diced tomatoes or even marinara sauce if you like your food saucier.
**Make-Ahead:** This dish is simple to make in advance and store in the refrigerator for later use. Simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is thoroughly heated. Before baking, top with additional cheese for an even more cheesy experience!
– **Garnish It Up:** For a delicious crunch and flavor boost, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or even some crispy bacon bits on top of your serving!
As you can see, this dish has at least a dozen different components that you can adjust to your taste preferences, but ultimately, it always hits the spot.
I sincerely hope you try this Garlic Butter Ground Beef Cheesy Penne! It’s more than just a meal; it’s a cozy bowl hug that evokes memories and forges new ones. Tell me how yours goes and if you’ve added any interesting twists! My friend, have fun in the kitchen!
