Ah, Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef! Just saying it makes my stomach rumble in anticipation! This dish holds a special place in my heart, as it’s not just a delightful combination of cheesy goodness and savory beef; it’s also a recipe that has turned many ordinary dinners into extraordinary family feasts. I still remember the first time I tried it—I was visiting my best friend’s house for dinner, and her mom whipped this magic up. It was a revelation! The moment I took that first bite, I knew I had to get the recipe, and I have been making it ever since.
What makes this dish truly unique is its perfect balance of creamy cheese and the aromatic scent of garlic butter mingling with ground beef. It’s cozy comfort food that always brings joy to the dinner table. Whether you’re having a casual family night or playing the perfect host for friends, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, let’s be honest—who doesn’t love cheese? I adore how it gets melty and gooey, hugging every piece of penne and ground beef. Are you ready to dive into this delicious adventure with me?
Let’s journey through the ingredients that make this dish a colossal hit!
What’s in Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef?
In the beautiful symphony of flavors that is Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that mouthwatering experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Penne Pasta: The star of the show! I love using whole wheat penne for a bit of a nuttier flavor and some extra fiber, but classic penne works just as well. It holds the sauce delightfully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Ground Beef: I generally go for lean ground beef (about 80% lean) to cut down on the greasy feeling while still packing in protein. Feel free to swap it out for ground turkey if you’re looking for a healthier option. Your dish will still be fabulous, I promise!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is the way to go. It adds a potent burst of flavor and aroma to the dish. The smell of garlic sizzling in butter will have your kitchen smelling irresistible!
Butter: The key to that luxurious garlic butter sauce, of course! I recommend unsalted butter so that you can control the saltiness in the dish. Plus, the richness of butter elevates the flavor and creates a silky texture.
Heavy Cream: This is the secret ingredient that makes this dish creamy and dreamy! It creates a luscious sauce that’s perfect for enveloping your penne and ground beef. If you’re trying to lighten things up, you can substitute it with half-and-half, but the richness will be diminished a bit.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar is my go-to for this dish as it melts beautifully and provides that delightful cheesiness. Feel free to mix it up with some Monterey Jack or even mozzarella if you want a different cheese experience.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a lovely salty and nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses perfectly. Make sure to sprinkle some extra on top before serving for that wow factor!
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the sauce without making it too salty. I generally use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier choice and can always add more salt if needed. You could also use vegetable broth if that’s your preference.
Spices & Herbs: A bit of salt, pepper, and fresh parsley add that final layer of flavor that really makes everything pop! I love adding a pinch of Italian seasoning for that extra hint of aroma!
So, now that you know what goes into this delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, let’s talk about whether it’s good for you.
Is Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Good for You?
When it comes to Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, we have to take a balanced approach. Sure, it’s rich, indulgent, and downright delicious, but how does it measure up in the health department?
Pasta: It’s awesome for a filling, satisfying meal! As mentioned earlier, whole wheat penne is a fantastic option as it’s higher in fiber compared to regular pasta, promoting better digestion and keeping you fuller for longer.
Ground Beef: While beef is an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins like B12, it can be higher in saturated fat. Opting for lean ground beef is a smart choice, especially if you’re monitoring your fat intake. Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for lower fat while still getting that meaty experience.
Garlic: Let’s not forget garlic! It’s well-known for its health benefits, including boosting the immune system and promoting heart health due to its anti-inflammatory properties. So, the more garlic, the better!
Heavy Cream: Now, this is where we take a little detour into the indulgent side. Heavy cream is high in saturated fat, and while it makes for a decadent dish, moderation is key. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can replace it with a lower-fat option, but it might not be as creamy.
Cheese: Cheese is delicious but should be consumed mindfully. It adds calcium, protein, and healthy fats. Just keep an eye on portion sizes to keep everything in balance.
In short, while Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef isn’t necessarily a health food, enjoying it in moderation as part of a balanced diet is entirely possible. You can make little tweaks to ensure it fits better within your health goals without sacrificing too much flavor.
Ingredients List
Ready to gather those ingredients? Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, which serves about 4-6 people:
– 12 ounces penne pasta
– 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
– Optional: Italian seasoning (about 1 teaspoon)
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef?
Now, let’s get to the fun part—cooking! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through each step so that you can create this cheesy masterpiece with confidence.
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally. Once done, drain and set aside. If you want, you can drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. **Brown the Beef:** In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s nicely browned, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet, draining any excess fat if necessary.
3. **Sauté the Garlic:** In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. **Create the Sauce:** Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release all those tasty bits. Then, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it cook for a minute or two to thicken.
5. **Cheesy Goodness:** Slowly add in the cheddar cheese, about a cup at a time, stirring until melted and combined. Now it’s time to add that parmesan cheese! Sprinkle it in and stirs until creamy.
6. **Combine:** Add the cooked beef back into the skillet, followed by the cooked penne pasta. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with that delicious cheesy sauce.
7. **Season to Taste:** Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Mix everything again to ensure that heavenly flavor is distributed evenly throughout.
8. **Garnish and Serve:** Once done, transfer the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. This will make it look so fancy!
9. **Enjoy:** Gather your loved ones, dig in, and savor every mouthful of this cheesy delight!
Serving Suggestions & Fun Tweaks
Now that you’ve aced the recipe, let’s talk about some ways to make this dish even more exciting. After all, cooking is all about creativity!
– **Add Veggies:** Sneak in some sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or even mushrooms to amp up the nutritional value. You can also throw in some broccoli florets when boiling the pasta for a pop of color and nutrients!
– **Spice It Up:** If you’re feeling adventurous, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. It adds a whole new layer to the comforting flavors of this dish!
– **Different Cheeses:** Don’t feel limited to just cheddar and parmesan. You can experiment with gouda, fontina, or even blue cheese for a unique twist. Let your cheese-loving imagination run wild!
– **Meal Prep:** This dish is excellent for leftovers, so consider making a larger batch and storing some in the fridge for meal prep. Pack individual portions for an easy lunch during the week!
Remember, cooking should be fun, so feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.
Now that I’ve shared my favorite Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe with you, I truly hope you take the plunge and create this comforting masterpiece for yourself and your loved ones. It warms the heart and satisfies the belly! Remember to enjoy the process. Cooking can be therapeutic and rewarding. If you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Happy cooking!
