Introduction
Transforming humble ingredients into a comforting and delicious meal is what family cooking is all about! This recipe for Irresistible Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a testament to that – a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Get ready to impress your family with minimal effort!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a beautiful balance of savory and cheesy flavors. The garlic butter ground beef is rich and deeply flavorful, while the creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements the tender penne pasta. It’s incredibly easy to make, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it a perfect go-to recipe for any occasion.
Key Ingredients
- 🍝 1 pound penne pasta
- 🥩 1 pound ground beef
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
- 🧀 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3️⃣ Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
4️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the butter until melted. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Then, stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5️⃣ Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce and ground beef mixture. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6️⃣ Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, try using a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead (use about 1 tablespoon).
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the sauce.
Heat Control
The heat control in this recipe is crucial for achieving a creamy cheese sauce without burning it. Start with medium-high heat to brown the ground beef effectively, then reduce to low when making the cheese sauce to prevent scorching. Gentle, consistent stirring is also key!
Crunch Factor
While this recipe is primarily creamy and comforting, you can add a little crunch by sprinkling some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips on top before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even faster cooking, use pre-minced garlic.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a little kick!
- To save time, use pre-shredded cheese.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t traditionally gifted, but you could gift the ingredients in a lovely basket for someone to make it themselves – a fun and thoughtful present!
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
🌟 Italian Herbs: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the ground beef mixture while sautéing.
🌟 Mushroom Medley: Sauté a cup of sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for extra earthy flavor.
🌟 Bacon Boost: Crumble some cooked bacon into the finished dish for a salty, smoky twist.
Troubleshooting
- Lumpy Cheese Sauce: Ensure the milk is added gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Dry Pasta: Add a little more pasta water to the sauce to loosen it up.
- Overcooked Pasta: Be sure to follow the package directions for cooking the pasta and avoid overcooking for best results.
FAQ
Q: Can I use different types of pasta? A: Yes! Other short pasta shapes, like rotini or farfalle, would work well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: You can prepare the ground beef and cheese sauce separately ahead of time and then combine them with the cooked pasta just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
This Irresistible Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. We hope you enjoy making it as much as we enjoyed creating it! Share your culinary creations with us using #AngelRecipes. Happy cooking!