Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 30 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This comforting Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a hearty and flavorful pasta bake perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender penne pasta is combined with garlic sautéed ground beef, a rich tomato and cream sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is garnished with fresh parsley to add a touch of freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

Beef and Sauce

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups tomato sauce or marinara
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings and Garnish

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the cheesy pasta dish.
  2. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente, meaning it should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Cook ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the garlic. Season the beef using salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the beef until it is thoroughly browned and no longer pink inside, breaking it up as it cooks.
  5. Add sauce and cream: Pour in the tomato sauce or marinara to the cooked beef. If you are using heavy cream, stir it in at this stage. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken slightly.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet and mix well so that the pasta is evenly coated with the beef and tomato mixture.
  7. Prepare for baking: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly spread it out and then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  9. Garnish and serve: After baking, garnish the cheesy penne with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

  • You can omit the heavy cream for a lighter tomato-based sauce, or substitute with a lactose-free cream if desired.
  • Using lean ground beef helps keep the dish lower in fat while still providing richness and flavor.
  • For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
  • If you prefer, use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
  • Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://comfortmealsmadeeasy.com/cheesy-penne-with-garlic-butter-ground-beef-recipe/