Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef

$- 2 cups penne pasta - 1 pound ground beef - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 cup beef broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish To make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef, gather your ingredients. First, you need penne pasta. This pasta holds the sauce well. Next, ground beef adds flavor and protein. Then, butter makes everything rich and smooth. Garlic adds a punch of taste, while onion gives sweetness. Now, for seasonings, dried oregano and basil bring an Italian flair. Beef broth adds depth to the sauce, and heavy cream makes it creamy. Finally, cheese is the star here. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, and grated Parmesan adds a sharp bite. Don’t forget fresh parsley. It brightens the dish and adds color. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy cooking this delightful dish! - Boil salted water in a large pot. - Add 2 cups of penne pasta. - Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. - Drain the pasta and set aside in a bowl. - Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet. - Sauté 1 chopped onion for 3-4 minutes. - Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute. - Increase heat and add 1 pound of ground beef. - Break it apart as it cooks for 5-7 minutes. - Season with 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of basil, salt, and pepper. - Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. - Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes. - Mix in the cooked penne and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella. - Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy every bite of your cheesy penne with garlic butter beef! - Use fresh herbs for better taste. Fresh parsley or basil can brighten your dish. - Add a splash of white wine to the sauce. This adds depth and richness. - Prevent pasta from sticking together by stirring it often while cooking. This keeps it separate. - Manage heat to avoid burning garlic. Cook it on low heat until fragrant. - Best served immediately for the creamiest experience. The cheese melts perfectly when fresh. - Ideal pairings with salads or garlic bread. These sides balance the richness of the dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Happy cooking! {{image_4}} You can switch out the beef in this dish. Ground turkey or chicken works well. These options are lighter but still tasty. If you want a vegetarian meal, try using lentils or crumbled tofu. Both options provide protein and flavor. Cheese is key to this dish's creamy taste. You can play with different cheese blends. Try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a fun twist. If you need a lactose-free option, use lactose-free cheese. It melts well and keeps the dish creamy. Adding veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Spinach or bell peppers blend well with the sauce. You can also serve steamed broccoli on the side. This adds color and crunch to the meal. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef above. After cooking, let the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This dish tastes best when eaten within 3-4 days. To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to avoid freezer burn. You can store it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results. Reheat the cheesy penne on the stove over low heat. Stir it gently to keep the flavors. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the pasta soggy. If needed, add a splash of beef broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. For tips on making this dish, check out the Full Recipe. This dish takes about 30 minutes to make. You need 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Cook the penne and beef separately. Mix them with cheese before serving. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat it slowly on the stove. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - Fresh salad - Steamed broccoli - Roasted vegetables These sides add freshness and balance to the meal. Yes, this recipe is great for kids. If your little ones are picky, try these tips: - Use less garlic for a milder flavor. - Swap mozzarella for their favorite cheese. - Add veggies they like, such as peas or carrots. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious meal! This blog post shared a simple recipe for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, and storage info. Cooking with fresh herbs and trying new cheeses can enhance the taste. Don't forget to serve it hot for the best flavor! You can tailor this dish to fit any dietary needs or preferences. Enjoy experimenting with it and make it your own. Happy cooking!$

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef! This creamy pasta dish combines tender penne, savory beef, and a rich garlic butter sauce for a comforting meal the whole family will love. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Follow our simple recipe to create this cheesy masterpiece, and don’t forget to serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley! Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your loved ones!

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Ingredients

2 cups penne pasta

1 pound ground beef

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 cup beef broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Penne: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside in a large bowl.

Prepare the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.

Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through. Season the mixture with the dried oregano, dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste.

Make the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth followed by the heavy cream. Stir the mixture well, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes so that it thickens slightly, beautifully melding the flavors.

Combine with Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and incorporate the cooked penne into the beef mixture. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary with additional salt and pepper.

Finish with Garlic Butter: In a small separate skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add a small portion of minced garlic to the melted butter and let it gently bubble for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, but ensuring not to let it burn. Drizzle this fragrant garlic butter over the penne mixture and carefully fold it in to combine flavors.

Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Scoop the cheesy penne into serving bowls, garnishing generously with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an extra touch, consider serving the dish in individual ramekins, topped with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan and a parsley leaf for a pop of color.