This recipe is a bit like a warm hug on a hectic day. My family has made it countless times, and each time feels like the first, with its rich, savory flavors hitting all the right notes. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone together around the table, no matter how busy the day. Right after school, while juggling work emails or between weekend chores, this meal acts as a pause button, helping us all slow down and savor life a little.
I remember the first time I cooked this dish for my husband on a rare date night at home. We’d just spent the day hiking and, stomachs growling, the kitchen was filled with laughter and anticipation as we cooked side by side. Little did we know that this simple meal would become a staple in our house, creating memories packed with love, comfort, and a sprinkle of nostalgia.
Honestly, what’s not to love about cheesy goodness paired with garlic butter-infused beef? It might sound indulgent, but it’s incredibly easy to put together. With a handful of pantry staples – think penne pasta and ground beef – this dish is a guaranteed hit, whether you’re cooking for picky kids or just trying to impress dinner guests without breaking a sweat. Trust me, it’s surprisingly quick, too, making it perfect for those jam-packed weeknights when you just want to whip up something hearty without much fuss.
So, whether you’re planning a special dinner or merely trying to find a way to make the most of a rainy day indoors, give this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef a spin. You might just find it’s exactly the comfort food your soul has been craving. Grab a fork and dive in – you’re going to want second helpings!
How to Make Cheesy Penne With Garlic Butter Ground Beef
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Ingredients:
- 14 oz. penne pasta
- 1.5 lbs. ground beef
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. Italian herbs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp. tomato puree
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Start by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions. Just before draining, reserve about a cup of pasta water and set it aside. Then, return the drained pasta to its pot.
- In a large, non-stick skillet, heat to medium and add the ground beef. Sprinkle on salt and Italian herbs, spreading the beef evenly. Avoid stirring for the first 4-5 minutes to allow it to brown well on one side.
- Once nicely browned, break the beef apart and stir until completely cooked through, which should take an additional 3-5 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add in the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato puree and Worcestershire sauce, followed by the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Now, pour in the heavy cream, stirring briefly. Then add the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it’s thoroughly melted and creamy.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the pot with the penne. Stir to combine all ingredients together seamlessly.
- For a silky sauce consistency, add 2-4 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Taste your dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
Ingredient Tweaks for Your Pantry
Why not customize your cheesy penne by swapping out some ingredients? Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take, or go with a different cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for new flavor profiles. If you’re out of penne, try any short pasta you have on hand.
Preserving Cheesy Penne for Later Enjoyment
To keep your leftovers tasting fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Want to freeze? Portion into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to two months. Reheat in a skillet with a touch of water to maintain that creamy texture.
The Best Accompaniments for Cheesy Penne
Serve this deliciously cheesy pasta with a crisp green salad drizzled with vinaigrette or steamed broccoli to cut the richness. For drinks, a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a robust Merlot beautifully complements the dish’s savory flavors.
Savory Tricks for Cheesy Penne Perfection
Brown your beef well for maximum flavor; this adds depth to the sauce. Don’t shy away from adding pasta water to your sauce – it’s the secret to achieving that silky finish. Using freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Seasonal Twists for Cheesy Penne
Incorporate seasonal veggies like zucchini in summer or a few roasted squash bits in fall for added texture and flavor. During spring, toss in some fresh asparagus pieces; in winter, consider a sprinkle of nutmeg for warmth.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for this dish, thanks to its ability to hold onto the sauce, feel free to experiment with other pasta types like fusilli or rigatoni for similar results. The main goal is to use a shape that carries the sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this recipe, providing a rich and robust cheesy flavor. However, you can substitute it with cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a bit of a kick. The key is to select a cheese that melts smoothly.
How can I make this dish healthier?
For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Opting for whole grain pasta can also increase the dish’s fiber content. Additionally, incorporating extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach will boost the nutritional value without sacrificing taste.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for vegetarians. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also increase the amount of vegetables for added heartiness. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to ensure a balanced flavor.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
This dish can definitely be made ahead of time. Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine them before serving. Store them in the refrigerator in separate containers. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm them together in a saucepan, adding a little water or broth to maintain the creamy consistency.
How can I prevent my cheese from clumping?
Clumping can often occur if cheese isn’t incorporated properly. Make sure to melt the cheese over low heat, stirring consistently to blend it into the sauce. Using freshly grated cheese, rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese, also helps because it comes without anti-caking agents that can cause clumping.
Cheesy Penne With Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Equipment
- large pot
- large non-stick skillet
Ingredients
- 14 oz. penne pasta
- 1.5 lbs. ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp. tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
For Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta as specified on the package, ensuring to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. After draining, place the pasta back in the pot.
For Beef Mixture:
- In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and Italian herbs. Allow it to sear for 4-5 minutes without stirring to create a nice crust.
- Break up the beef and continue cooking until fully browned, approximately 3-5 minutes. Drain off any excess grease if necessary.
- Add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato puree and Worcestershire sauce, mixing thoroughly. Add the diced tomatoes with juice and let everything cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Add the heavy cream, stirring briefly before letting it cook for around 30 seconds. Then, mix in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine the cheese beef mixture with the cooked pasta in the pot and stir well to meld the flavors.
- To achieve a silkier sauce, gradually incorporate reserved pasta water, 2-4 tablespoons at a time. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
