Description
A creamy and flavorful Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, combining tender penne pasta with savory seasoned ground beef and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, garnished with fresh parsley for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz penne pasta
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Season the Beef: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to evenly coat the meat.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors and reduce the liquid slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta with the beef and sauce.
- Add the Cheeses: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until they melt completely, creating a creamy cheesy sauce that coats the pasta and beef.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve hot immediately.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Double the cheese amount for a richer, gooey finish.
- This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: thirtyfive g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
