Here’s a delicious, cozy meal you’ll love: Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. It’s a quick and hearty pasta dish loaded with savory flavor—perfect for weeknights!
🧄🧀 Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Ingredients:
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12 oz penne pasta
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
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3 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tsp garlic powder)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
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2 cups milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
🍲 Instructions:
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Sprinkle in flour, stir to coat the beef, and cook for 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
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Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until mixture thickens (about 3–5 minutes).
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Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss until everything is coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.
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Garnish with parsley and serve hot!
🧑🍳 Tips & Variations:
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Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
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Make it spicy with extra crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
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Want it extra creamy? Stir in 2 oz of cream cheese with the shredded cheese.
Would you like a one-pan baked version with a crispy cheese topping?
