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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef: Comfort in a Bowl

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a creamy, flavorful comfort food perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb Penne Pasta Can swap with rigatoni or ziti
For the Filling
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can be replaced with butter or vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh garlic preferred
  • 1 tsp Salt Consider sea salt for gourmet touch
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adjust according to spice preference
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Oregano or basil can be used
  • 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional for added heat
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can swap with half-and-half or dairy-free option
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian version
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Grana Padano as an alternative
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Provolone or gouda can also be used
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Other herbs like basil or chives can be used

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add salt and penne pasta, cooking until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Season the Meat: Stir in salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, along with optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add beef broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir in the drained pasta until well-coated. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  7. Stir in the Cheese: Gradually mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
  8. Melt the Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta and cover to let it melt (3-5 minutes).
  9. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Avoid burning garlic and drain excess fat from meat for a creamy sauce. Add fresh lemon juice for extra zing.

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