Name: Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the epitome of comfort food. Tender penne pasta combines beautifully with savory garlic butter ground beef and is smothered in a rich, melty cheese sauce. It’s the perfect dish to prepare when I need a simple yet satisfying meal for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb ground beef

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup whole milk

½ cup sour cream

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

I start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, I drain the pasta and set it aside.

In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium heat. I then add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, I drain it off.

After that, I reduce the heat to low and add the butter and minced garlic to the beef. I stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the butter melts.

Next, I stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.

In a separate saucepan, I warm the milk over low heat. I then add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until they melt and become smooth. Once the sauce is ready, I remove it from the heat and stir in the sour cream until everything is well combined.

Now it’s time to combine! I add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter ground beef. I pour the cheesy sauce over the top and gently stir to make sure everything is evenly coated.

I let the dish cook over low heat for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. If needed, I adjust the seasoning.

For a final touch, I garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley before serving (optional, but adds a nice color and flavor).

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Storage/Reheating

If I happen to have leftovers, I store the cheesy penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works great, I’ve also used rigatoni and rotini in the past. Any pasta shape you enjoy will work.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe can be made ahead. I usually prepare the dish, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, I reheat it on the stove with a bit of extra milk if necessary.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

If you’re looking to reduce the calories, you can use lean ground beef, low-fat milk, and light sour cream. I’ve also tried it with reduced-fat cheese, and it still tastes delicious.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would be a great way to incorporate more veggies into this dish. I sometimes throw in some sautéed spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a meal that never fails to satisfy. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for a busy weeknight when I want something comforting yet quick. Whether I’m feeding the family or just treating myself, this dish always hits the spot. It’s simple, cheesy, and oh-so-tasty.

Recipe:

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comfort food dish featuring tender penne pasta, savory garlic butter ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Instructions

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Reduce heat to low and add butter and minced garlic to the beef. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until garlic becomes fragrant and butter melts.
Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over low heat. Add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until they melt and become smooth. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until well combined.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter ground beef. Pour the cheesy sauce over the top and stir to coat evenly.
Let the dish cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (optional) before serving.