Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Indulge in Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef! A creamy, flavorful dish that's perfect for family dinners. 🍝🧄
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For boiling the pasta.
- 1 Large Skillet For sautéing the garlic and browning the beef.
- 1 Baking dish Optional for baking the final dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces Penne Pasta You can also use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni or ziti.
Meat
- 1 pound Ground Beef Consider using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Flavorings
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh garlic is best.
- 4 tablespoons Butter Unsalted; can substitute with olive oil.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Helps in browning the meat.
- 2 cups Cheese Shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.
Seasonings
- to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sautéing
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Browning Beef
- Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Combining
- Reduce heat to low. Add the drained penne pasta and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the skillet. Stir until cheese melts and coats the pasta and beef evenly.
Seasoning
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally add Italian herbs or red pepper flakes.
Baking (Optional)
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with additional cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.