This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef Dinner is a comforting dish packed with flavor! The creamy cheese blends perfectly with tender penne pasta and juicy beef, all brought together with garlic butter.
Honestly, who can resist cheesy pasta? I love how quick it comes together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when I’m short on time but want something delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: A classic choice for cheesy dishes, penne’s shape holds the sauce well. If you don’t have penne, any medium pasta like rotini or fusilli works great!
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives richness to the dish. You can easily swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even use mushrooms or lentils for a meatless version.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is essential for that gooey texture, while Parmesan adds depth. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try part-skim mozzarella or even a dairy-free cheese blend.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and decadent. If you want to cut calories, you could mix half and half with milk, or use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt, but if you’re in a pinch, margarine or a good quality olive oil can work.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Garlic Without Burning It?
Cooking garlic right is key to using its wonderful flavor without the bitterness of burnt pieces. Here’s how to do it:
- Always use medium to low heat when sautéing garlic. It cooks quickly!
- Add it after the butter melts but before the cream; this way, you can watch it closely.
- Stir frequently and cook for just 1-2 minutes until it turns fragrant but stays golden. This prevents burning!
How Do I Get a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
Making a creamy cheese sauce is easy with these steps:
- Always start with a base of cream; it helps create that smooth texture.
- Gradually add cheese while stirring constantly. This helps the cheese melt evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk or pasta water to get your desired consistency.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef Dinner that your family will love! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (or beef strips)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheesy Goodness:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef Dinner takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and beef, and another 15 minutes preparing the sauce and combining everything. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once it melts, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
4. Create the Creamy Base:
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to blend. Add in the dried Italian seasoning and a little more salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors.
5. Add the Cheeses:
Next, add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until both cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, you can always add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
6. Combine with Beef:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, mixing it into the cheesy garlic butter sauce until everything is well-coated.
7. Toss the Pasta:
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce and beef until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the delicious sauce.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Take the skillet off the heat. Serve the cheesy penne hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
This dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef Dinner
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, you can use any medium pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it’s al dente.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you prefer a leaner option, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives to maintain a similar texture.
How Can I Make This Dish Lighter?
To lighten it up, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt. You can also use reduced-fat cheese options to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture and prevent the sauce from getting too thick!
Feel free to ask if you have more questions! Enjoy your cooking!
