![To create your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, gather the following ingredients: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to make a rich, cheesy dish. The penne pasta provides a great base. The ground beef adds protein and flavor. Garlic butter gives a lovely aroma and taste. This combination is sure to please. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the cooking steps. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! To cook penne pasta, fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Stir it well to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta for about 9-11 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Check the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. This way, you can catch it just in time. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. You want the butter to be bubbly but not burnt. Add the minced garlic and cook it until it smells great, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to let it turn brown. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook the beef until it is browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want a kick. Season with salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor. Now it’s time to mix everything. Lower the heat and add the cooked penne to the skillet with the beef. Toss it well to coat the pasta in the garlic butter. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Stir until the cheese melts and becomes creamy. Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Give it a gentle stir one last time. Your cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef is now ready to serve! To boost the garlic butter taste, try using fresh garlic. Fresh garlic packs a punch. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright flavor. A touch of Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Consider mixing in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. For seasonings, onion powder and Italian seasoning work well. You can also add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. They bring a nice kick! Taste as you go to ensure you get the flavor just right. Cooking ground beef well is key. Use medium heat to prevent burning. Break it apart while cooking. This helps it cook evenly and avoids clumps. Make sure it reaches a nice brown color for great flavor. To avoid clumpy cheese, sprinkle it gradually. Stir it in slowly as it melts. This creates a creamy texture. If you notice clumps, try lowering the heat. Stir often to ensure even melting. Following these tips will help you make a delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can add more color and nutrients by including vegetables. Spinach and bell peppers work well in this dish. They add great flavor and texture. To include spinach, add it during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help it wilt perfectly without losing its bright color. For bell peppers, chop them up and sauté them with the ground beef. This adds sweetness and crunch. Adjusting the cooking time is important when adding veggies. Since spinach cooks quickly, just a few minutes is enough. Bell peppers may need about 5 minutes to soften. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get mushy. The goal is to keep some bite while blending the flavors. Switching up your cheese can change the taste of your dish. Mozzarella is great, but consider using provolone or gouda for a fun twist. These cheeses melt well and add unique flavors. You can also try adding a bit of sharp cheddar for a different kick. Crafting a cheese blend gives you a chance to mix flavors. Use two or three types of cheese for depth. This adds richness and makes the dish extra special. Combining cheeses can also make the dish creamier, which is always a plus. To keep your cheesy penne fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. If you have a lot, split it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it later without waste. The best containers for preserving freshness are glass or BPA-free plastic. Glass containers do not stain and are microwave safe. Plastic containers are lightweight and easy to stack. Remember to label your containers with the date. This helps you track freshness. When reheating cheesy penne, you want it warm, not dry. To avoid this, add a splash of water or milk before reheating. This keeps the pasta creamy. Stir the dish a few times while heating. You can use a microwave or an oven. For the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Start with one minute, then check and stir. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the penne in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes. This method warms the dish evenly. For more details, check the full recipe! Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work well too. Just follow the cooking time on the package for your chosen pasta. The key is to cook it al dente, so it holds up in the dish. Experimenting with different shapes can add fun to your meal. Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for ground beef. If you prefer a plant-based option, use lentils or mushrooms. Both add nice texture and flavor. When using lentils, try cooking them separately and then mixing them in. This keeps the dish balanced. To make this dish healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta. You can also reduce the butter and cheese. Adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini boosts nutrition. These changes keep the flavors delicious while lowering calories. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and beef mixture, then store it in the fridge. Just add the cheese before baking. When ready to serve, heat until warm and bubbly. This method saves time on busy nights. Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a mix of beans, lentils, or chopped veggies. You can still use butter and cheese for flavor. If you want it vegan, replace the butter with olive oil and use vegan cheese. This version is still rich and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. This blog post covered a delicious cheesy penne dish. You learned about the key ingredients needed, like ground beef and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for flavor, and tasty variations. Remember, cooking is fun! Feel free to change things up with veggies or different cheeses. Enjoy your meal now and share leftovers with friends. Try all the tips and enhance your cooking skills.](https://stirredrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3e477709-cc44-4812-9f59-42e3cd15f686.webp)
Craving a quick and tasty meal? You’re in for a treat with my Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. This dish combines rich flavors and creamy cheese into a simple recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, it only takes about 30 minutes to make! In this article, I’ll guide you through the steps, share helpful tips, and explore fun variations. Let’s make dinner a delight!
Ingredients
To create your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, gather the following ingredients:
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 1 lb ground beef
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients work together to make a rich, cheesy dish. The penne pasta provides a great base. The ground beef adds protein and flavor. Garlic butter gives a lovely aroma and taste. This combination is sure to please.
You can find the full recipe to guide you through the cooking steps. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
To cook penne pasta, fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Stir it well to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta for about 9-11 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Check the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. This way, you can catch it just in time. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
Preparing the Garlic Butter Ground Beef
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. You want the butter to be bubbly but not burnt. Add the minced garlic and cook it until it smells great, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to let it turn brown. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook the beef until it is browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want a kick. Season with salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor.
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to mix everything. Lower the heat and add the cooked penne to the skillet with the beef. Toss it well to coat the pasta in the garlic butter. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Stir until the cheese melts and becomes creamy. Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Give it a gentle stir one last time. Your cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef is now ready to serve!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Flavor
To boost the garlic butter taste, try using fresh garlic. Fresh garlic packs a punch. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright flavor. A touch of Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Consider mixing in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
For seasonings, onion powder and Italian seasoning work well. You can also add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. They bring a nice kick! Taste as you go to ensure you get the flavor just right.
Cooking Techniques
Cooking ground beef well is key. Use medium heat to prevent burning. Break it apart while cooking. This helps it cook evenly and avoids clumps. Make sure it reaches a nice brown color for great flavor.
To avoid clumpy cheese, sprinkle it gradually. Stir it in slowly as it melts. This creates a creamy texture. If you notice clumps, try lowering the heat. Stir often to ensure even melting. Following these tips will help you make a delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Variations
Cheesy Penne with Vegetables
You can add more color and nutrients by including vegetables. Spinach and bell peppers work well in this dish. They add great flavor and texture. To include spinach, add it during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help it wilt perfectly without losing its bright color. For bell peppers, chop them up and sauté them with the ground beef. This adds sweetness and crunch.
Adjusting the cooking time is important when adding veggies. Since spinach cooks quickly, just a few minutes is enough. Bell peppers may need about 5 minutes to soften. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get mushy. The goal is to keep some bite while blending the flavors.
Different Cheeses to Try
Switching up your cheese can change the taste of your dish. Mozzarella is great, but consider using provolone or gouda for a fun twist. These cheeses melt well and add unique flavors. You can also try adding a bit of sharp cheddar for a different kick.
Crafting a cheese blend gives you a chance to mix flavors. Use two or three types of cheese for depth. This adds richness and makes the dish extra special. Combining cheeses can also make the dish creamier, which is always a plus.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cheesy penne fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. If you have a lot, split it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it later without waste.
The best containers for preserving freshness are glass or BPA-free plastic. Glass containers do not stain and are microwave safe. Plastic containers are lightweight and easy to stack. Remember to label your containers with the date. This helps you track freshness.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating cheesy penne, you want it warm, not dry. To avoid this, add a splash of water or milk before reheating. This keeps the pasta creamy. Stir the dish a few times while heating.
You can use a microwave or an oven. For the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Start with one minute, then check and stir. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the penne in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes. This method warms the dish evenly.
For more details, check the full recipe!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work well too. Just follow the cooking time on the package for your chosen pasta. The key is to cook it al dente, so it holds up in the dish. Experimenting with different shapes can add fun to your meal.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for ground beef. If you prefer a plant-based option, use lentils or mushrooms. Both add nice texture and flavor. When using lentils, try cooking them separately and then mixing them in. This keeps the dish balanced.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta. You can also reduce the butter and cheese. Adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini boosts nutrition. These changes keep the flavors delicious while lowering calories.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and beef mixture, then store it in the fridge. Just add the cheese before baking. When ready to serve, heat until warm and bubbly. This method saves time on busy nights.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a mix of beans, lentils, or chopped veggies. You can still use butter and cheese for flavor. If you want it vegan, replace the butter with olive oil and use vegan cheese. This version is still rich and satisfying.
For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe].
This blog post covered a delicious cheesy penne dish. You learned about the key ingredients needed, like ground beef and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for flavor, and tasty variations.
Remember, cooking is fun! Feel free to change things up with veggies or different cheeses. Enjoy your meal now and share leftovers with friends. Try all the tips and enhance your cooking skills.
![To create your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, gather the following ingredients: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to make a rich, cheesy dish. The penne pasta provides a great base. The ground beef adds protein and flavor. Garlic butter gives a lovely aroma and taste. This combination is sure to please. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the cooking steps. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! To cook penne pasta, fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Stir it well to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta for about 9-11 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Check the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. This way, you can catch it just in time. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. You want the butter to be bubbly but not burnt. Add the minced garlic and cook it until it smells great, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to let it turn brown. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook the beef until it is browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want a kick. Season with salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor. Now it’s time to mix everything. Lower the heat and add the cooked penne to the skillet with the beef. Toss it well to coat the pasta in the garlic butter. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Stir until the cheese melts and becomes creamy. Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Give it a gentle stir one last time. Your cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef is now ready to serve! To boost the garlic butter taste, try using fresh garlic. Fresh garlic packs a punch. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright flavor. A touch of Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Consider mixing in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. For seasonings, onion powder and Italian seasoning work well. You can also add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. They bring a nice kick! Taste as you go to ensure you get the flavor just right. Cooking ground beef well is key. Use medium heat to prevent burning. Break it apart while cooking. This helps it cook evenly and avoids clumps. Make sure it reaches a nice brown color for great flavor. To avoid clumpy cheese, sprinkle it gradually. Stir it in slowly as it melts. This creates a creamy texture. If you notice clumps, try lowering the heat. Stir often to ensure even melting. Following these tips will help you make a delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can add more color and nutrients by including vegetables. Spinach and bell peppers work well in this dish. They add great flavor and texture. To include spinach, add it during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help it wilt perfectly without losing its bright color. For bell peppers, chop them up and sauté them with the ground beef. This adds sweetness and crunch. Adjusting the cooking time is important when adding veggies. Since spinach cooks quickly, just a few minutes is enough. Bell peppers may need about 5 minutes to soften. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get mushy. The goal is to keep some bite while blending the flavors. Switching up your cheese can change the taste of your dish. Mozzarella is great, but consider using provolone or gouda for a fun twist. These cheeses melt well and add unique flavors. You can also try adding a bit of sharp cheddar for a different kick. Crafting a cheese blend gives you a chance to mix flavors. Use two or three types of cheese for depth. This adds richness and makes the dish extra special. Combining cheeses can also make the dish creamier, which is always a plus. To keep your cheesy penne fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. If you have a lot, split it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it later without waste. The best containers for preserving freshness are glass or BPA-free plastic. Glass containers do not stain and are microwave safe. Plastic containers are lightweight and easy to stack. Remember to label your containers with the date. This helps you track freshness. When reheating cheesy penne, you want it warm, not dry. To avoid this, add a splash of water or milk before reheating. This keeps the pasta creamy. Stir the dish a few times while heating. You can use a microwave or an oven. For the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Start with one minute, then check and stir. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the penne in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes. This method warms the dish evenly. For more details, check the full recipe! Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work well too. Just follow the cooking time on the package for your chosen pasta. The key is to cook it al dente, so it holds up in the dish. Experimenting with different shapes can add fun to your meal. Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for ground beef. If you prefer a plant-based option, use lentils or mushrooms. Both add nice texture and flavor. When using lentils, try cooking them separately and then mixing them in. This keeps the dish balanced. To make this dish healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta. You can also reduce the butter and cheese. Adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini boosts nutrition. These changes keep the flavors delicious while lowering calories. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and beef mixture, then store it in the fridge. Just add the cheese before baking. When ready to serve, heat until warm and bubbly. This method saves time on busy nights. Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a mix of beans, lentils, or chopped veggies. You can still use butter and cheese for flavor. If you want it vegan, replace the butter with olive oil and use vegan cheese. This version is still rich and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. This blog post covered a delicious cheesy penne dish. You learned about the key ingredients needed, like ground beef and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for flavor, and tasty variations. Remember, cooking is fun! Feel free to change things up with veggies or different cheeses. Enjoy your meal now and share leftovers with friends. Try all the tips and enhance your cooking skills.](https://stirredrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3e477709-cc44-4812-9f59-42e3cd15f686-300x300.webp)