Description
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked penne tossed in a creamy Parmesan and mozzarella sauce with savory seasoned ground beef and a hint of garlic. It’s a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or a family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce & Cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with garlic. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season the Meat: Season the browned beef with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Add Liquids: Reduce heat to medium, then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to create a creamy sauce base.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce and beef mixture.
- Melt Parmesan: Gradually incorporate the freshly grated Parmesan cheese stirring continuously until it melts and thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency.
- Add Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it sit off heat for a few minutes to allow the mozzarella to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley before serving hot for a flavorful and cheesy pasta experience.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Be sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef to avoid greasiness in the final dish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the cream and broth mixture a little longer before adding the pasta.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a full meal.
