Alfredo Ground Beef Penne Bake

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook penne according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef until browned; drain excess fat.
4. 4 Stir in garlic, basil, and oregano; cook for 1 minute.
5. 5 In a large bowl, mix cooked penne, beef mixture, heavy cream, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
6. 6 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. 7 Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. 8 Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and top is golden.
9. 9 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• Skillet
• Baking dish (9x13 inch)
• Oven

Variations

• Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for a veggie twist.
• Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Substitutions

• Use half-and-half if you're out of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

Pairings

• Pairs well with a crisp Chardonnay or an ice-cold beer.

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream before baking.
• Feel free to add sautéed veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in a 350°F oven until hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

FAQ