This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef is a yummy mix of pasta, ground beef, and cheesy goodness. It’s quick and perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends!
Who doesn’t love cheesy pasta? It’s hard to resist when the aroma of garlic fills the kitchen and that cheesy, creamy sauce is just waiting to be enjoyed. I usually serve it with a side salad for balance. 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: Penne is a great choice because its shape holds sauces well. You could swap it for rigatoni, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different shapes cook differently.
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef for less greasiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too! Vegetarian readers can enjoy this dish by using lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over seasoning. If you’re sensitive to dairy, coconut oil or olive oil can be used instead, although it will change the flavor a bit. Use either for a delicious finish!
Cheese: Cheddar for creaminess is fantastic, but for a twist, try Monterey Jack or mozzarella. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the milk.
How Do I Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
Making a creamy cheese sauce is the star of this dish, and it’s easier than you might think! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by creating a base with butter, garlic, and onions. This gives your sauce a rich flavor.
- Slowly add in your milk (or cream) and beef broth. Bringing it to a gentle simmer will help combine flavors smoothly.
- Add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly. This prevents it from clumping and helps ensure it melts evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can always add a splash more of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
With these steps, you’ll have a deliciously creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef Easy Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth or reserved pasta cooking water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Time Needed:
This tasty dinner will take about 25-30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and about 15-20 minutes to prepare the beef and sauce. In less than half an hour, you’ll have a delicious cheesy meal ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Penne:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t forget to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, just in case you need it later for the sauce.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet or pan and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked. Make sure to season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
3. Sauté Garlic and Onions:
Once the beef is cooked, push it to one side of the pan. On the cleared side, add the butter, then toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté everything together for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onion is translucent.
4. Create the Sauce:
Next, mix the beef back in with the garlic and onion. Pour in the beef broth (or reserved pasta cooking water) and the milk. Allow this mixture to come to a gentle simmer, which helps the flavors meld together.
5. Add the Cheesy Goodness:
Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and you have a creamy sauce. Feel free to add a splash more reserved pasta water if it seems too thick!
6. Combine with Pasta:
Now it’s time to mix everything together! Add the cooked penne pasta directly to the skillet and toss it gently in the cheesy garlic butter beef sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your cheesy penne with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh taste. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, hearty dinner!
Enjoy your cheesy penne with garlic butter beef! It’s sure to be a favorite!
FAQ: Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just keep an eye on the cooking times to ensure they’re cooked al dente.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, try lentils, chickpeas, or a meat substitute made from beans or soy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and cheese sauce ahead of time! Simply store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy, cook the pasta, combine it with the sauce, and heat everything together.
