What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A hearty homemade dish like cheesey penne with garlic and butter ground beef, made easy with simple ingredients like ground beef and penne pasta. Save this idea for a quick family favorite meal to enjoy on busy evenings, try it soon and make it a staple in your household, pin for later.

cheesey penne with garlic and butter ground beef

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 with al dente penne pasta. This cheesey penne with garlic and butter ground beef is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave you and your family craving for more. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a dish that tastes like it was prepared in a high-end restaurant. Using everyday ingredients, you can create a culinary masterpiece that’s perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or anytime you want to impress without the fuss.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of garlic, butter, ground beef, and cheese creates a profound flavor profile that is both satisfying and accessible. The ingredients are commonly found in most supermarkets, making this dish a practical choice for anyone.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive outcome, this recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time. It’s a straightforward process that involves cooking the pasta, preparing the ground beef mixture, and combining everything together with cheese.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The key to this dish is the layering of flavors and textures, which creates a sophisticated and appealing final product. The creamy cheese sauce, the savory ground beef, and the perfectly cooked penne all come together to create a dish that looks and tastes like it was made with much more effort than it actually requires.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this cheesey penne with garlic and butter ground beef include penne pasta, ground beef, garlic, butter, onion, tomato paste, beef broth, and a blend of cheeses such as parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta. For practical substitutions, you can use different types of pasta or ground meats, and adjust the cheese blend based on your preferences and dietary needs. Fresh parsley and basil add a bright, fresh flavor, but dried herbs can be used as an alternative.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion and garlic, measure out the beef broth and tomato paste, and grate the cheeses. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s fully browned.
3. Step 3: Add the tomato paste to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste is fragrant and starts to darken. Then, add the beef broth, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until the liquid has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, the ground beef mixture, and the grated cheese. Mix well until the cheese is fully incorporated and the pasta is well coated. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with additional grated cheese, and bake in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Handy Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients: While this dish is forgiving, using fresh and high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavors and textures. Choose good cheese, fresh garlic, and real butter for the best results.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is crucial for this dish. Overcooking will result in a mushy, unappealing texture that doesn’t hold the cheese sauce well.
• Customize to taste: Feel free to add your favorite spices, herbs, or other ingredients to make the dish your own. Some options include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Heat Control

Controlling the heat is crucial, especially when cooking the ground beef and the cheese sauce. For the ground beef, medium heat is ideal to prevent burning and to ensure even browning. When baking the final dish, a moderate oven temperature (around 375°F) is best to melt the cheese without burning the top or drying out the pasta.

Crunch Factor

The texture of this dish is primarily creamy and soft, thanks to the cheese sauce and the cooked pasta. However, adding some crunchy elements can enhance the dining experience. Consider topping the dish with toasted breadcrumbs, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a nice contrast in texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Layering flavors: The key to a deep, rich flavor profile is layering. Don’t be afraid to add flavors at different stages of cooking, from the initial sauté of the onion and garlic to the final seasoning of the dish.
• Using the right cheese: A blend of cheeses is essential for a creamy, well-balanced sauce. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect mix.
• Cleanup hacks: To make cleanup easier, prepare all ingredients before starting to cook, and use a single large skillet for the ground beef mixture to minimize dishes.

Storage Tips

• Leftover storage: Cool the dish to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it. For refrigeration, use an airtight container and consume within 3 days. For freezing, portion the dish into individual servings, place in freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating tips: For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as desired.
• Shelf life and containers: Always check the dish for any signs of spoilage before consuming, regardless of storage method. Use glass or plastic containers that are airtight to preserve freshness.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps for a potluck or as a comfort meal for a friend, presentation matters. Transfer the cooled dish to a decorative baking dish or a microwave-safe container. Add a personal touch with a handwritten note or a small bag of garlic bread on the side. For a more rustic appeal, use a wooden crate or a basket lined with a checkered cloth, and don’t forget to include utensils and serving spoons.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding a pinch of cumin for a smoky flavor, red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or dried oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
• Creative toppings: In addition to the standard cheese topping, you can add diced tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or a dollop of sour cream to add freshness and variety.
• Ingredient swaps: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, pork, or vegetables for a vegetarian option. Different types of cheese and pasta can also be experimented with to find your favorite combination.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the dish becomes too dry, add a bit more beef broth or some grated cheese to revive it. For a too-wet consistency, add some toasted breadcrumbs or cook it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
• Ingredient replacements: Always read labels and choose ingredients that fit your dietary needs. For gluten-free, ensure the pasta and broth are gluten-free. For dairy-free, experiment with non-dairy cheeses and milks.
• Over/undercooking signs: The pasta should be al dente, the ground beef fully browned, and the cheese melted and bubbly. Adjust cooking times as necessary to achieve these textures.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, this dish freezes well. Portion it into individual servings, place in freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
• Is it gluten-free? It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring the beef broth is gluten-free. Always check the labels of your ingredients.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds. Just ensure you have a large enough skillet and baking dish to accommodate the increased quantity.

Conclusion

This cheesey penne with garlic and butter ground beef is a testament to the magic of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. It’s a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the appetite, perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with the recipe, make it your own, and share it with loved ones. The joy of cooking lies not just in the eating, but in the sharing and the love that goes into every dish. So, go ahead, cook with love, and enjoy the journey of culinary exploration and connection that this recipe and many others can bring to your table.