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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef: Comfort Done Right

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef offers irresistible flavor and comforting texture, making it a must-try family favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta Can be substituted with rigatoni or fusilli.
For the Beef Mixture
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can use ground turkey or chicken.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable oil.
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Can substitute with oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional for added heat.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated) Pecorino can be used for a sharper taste.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) Cheddar can also be used.
  • 1/4 cup Parsley (fresh, chopped) For garnish; basil can be used as a substitute.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta by boiling salted water, add the penne, and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Season beef with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes; stir for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add cooked penne to the skillet, tossing for 2-3 minutes until coated in sauce.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
  8. Top with mozzarella cheese, cover to melt, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure garlic does not brown to avoid bitterness, and adjust seasoning based on taste preferences.

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