What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? A hearty serving of homemade cheesey penne with garlic and butter ground beef is a great place to start. This easy recipe relies on simple ingredients like ground beef and penne pasta to create a satisfying meal. Save this idea for a quick family favorite dinner solution.

cheesey penne with garlic and butter ground beef served in a white bowl on a table

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the comfort of creamy cheese, the richness of garlic and butter, and the heartiness of ground beef, all perfectly balanced and served over al dente penne pasta in a crisp white bowl. This cheesey penne with garlic and butter ground beef is not just a meal; it’s an experience that can be easily replicated in your own kitchen with everyday ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, flavor balance, and the impressive results it yields with minimal effort, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of garlic, butter, and ground beef creates a savory base, while the cheese adds a creamy, indulgent touch. All ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: The steps are straightforward, from browning the ground beef to cooking the pasta and combining everything with a cheesy sauce.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the dish presents beautifully and tastes sophisticated, sure to impress family and friends.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients include penne pasta for its tube shape that holds onto the cheesy sauce perfectly, ground beef for a meaty flavor, garlic and butter for added richness, and a blend of cheeses (parmesan and mozzarella) for creaminess and flavor depth. Practical substitutions could include using different types of pasta, ground turkey or beef alternatives for the ground beef, and various cheese combinations to suit taste preferences.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the garlic, measure out the ground beef, and grate the cheese. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the penne.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s fully browned.
3. Step 3: To make the cheesy sauce, in a saucepan, combine the grated cheese and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and smooth. Combine the cooked penne pasta, the garlic and butter ground beef mixture, and the cheesy sauce. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
4. Step 4: For the final touches, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the cheesey penne with garlic and butter ground beef hot in a white bowl, garnished with parsley or parmesan cheese for added freshness and visual appeal.

Handy Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese, for the best flavor. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit after draining. If using frozen ground beef, make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking.

Heat Control

When cooking the ground beef, medium heat is ideal to prevent burning. For the cheesy sauce, low heat is crucial to avoid the cheese separating or becoming too thick. The pasta should be cooked in boiling water, then drained and rinsed with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Crunch Factor

The texture of this dish should be creamy from the cheese sauce, tender from the al dente pasta, and slightly crispy from the browned ground beef. To achieve this, don’t overcook the pasta, ensure the ground beef is browned properly, and adjust the cheese sauce consistency as needed.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For an extra creamy sauce, add a tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the butter before adding the cheese to make a roux, which will help thicken the sauce. Use a mixture of cheeses for a deeper flavor profile.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or pasta broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While this dish is best served fresh, if you’re looking to gift it, consider portioning it into microwave-safe containers and topping with extra cheese and parsley. Include a reheating instruction card for a thoughtful touch.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add some dried basil or oregano to the ground beef for an Italian twist, or use chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Creative toppings: Top with toasted breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs, or additional grated cheese for extra texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Use ground pork or a combination of meats for a different flavor profile, or substitute the penne with other tube-shaped pasta like mostaccioli or rigatoni.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of pasta water. If it’s too thin, add more grated cheese or a little flour to thicken.
• Ingredient replacements: For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or eggplant.
• Over/undercooking signs: The pasta should have a slight bite (al dente), the ground beef should be fully browned, and the cheese sauce should be smooth and creamy.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
• Is it gluten-free? The penne pasta traditionally contains gluten, but you can substitute it with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, all ingredients can be doubled to serve a larger crowd. Just ensure you have large enough pots and pans for cooking.

Conclusion

This cheesey penne with garlic and butter ground beef is a versatile and delicious dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!