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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish featuring tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, and aromatic garlic butter, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz penne pasta Use any brand of penne pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef Use 80/20 lean meat for better flavor
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter Melt over medium heat
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Add more if you like a stronger garlic flavor
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) Can mix different cheese types for flavor
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Adds creaminess to the dish
  • Salt and pepper to taste Season as preferred
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Chop before garnishing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Lower the heat and add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine, then add the shredded cheese and sour cream. Mix until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce.
  5. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra texture, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. This dish is great for using up leftover cooked ground beef; just add it to the skillet with the garlic until warmed through. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheat on low with a splash of milk or cream.