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This snug beef and penne bake mixes velvety Alfredo sauce with soft pasta and gooey cheese, making dinner a breeze on busy nights.
My crew asks for this meal all the time - when ground beef meets creamy sauce over pasta, you've got the perfect cozy dinner.
Key Components:
- Ground beef (lean): Makes a filling base
- Pasta (penne): Catches sauce perfectly
- Alfredo sauce: Pick your favorite kind
- Mozzarella: Gives that stretchy pull
- Parmesan (fresh): Brings tangy kick
- Italian herbs: Makes sauce pop
- Garlic (fresh): Boosts overall taste
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Step-by-Step Guide:
- Get Everything Ready
- Cook pasta slightly firmer than al dente
- Cook beef till completely brown
- Add spices to meat
- Try using an oven-safe pan
- Mix It Together
- Combine beef with sauce
- Stir in half your cheese
- Mix in drained pasta
- Level everything out
- Top With Cheese
- Add leftover mozzarella
- Dust with Parmesan
- Make sure it covers everything
- Gently push cheese into pasta
- Cook Till Bubbling
- Make sure middle is hot
- Look for browning spots
- Quick broil if you want
- Let it settle
- Cool a bit before eating
Getting the beef spices right and picking tasty Alfredo sauce really makes this dish stand out.
Saving Leftovers:
Good for 3-4 days in fridge. Add a little milk when warming up.
Tasty Sidekicks:
Throw in some garlic toast and a simple green salad on the side.
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Pro Pointers:
- Add flavor at each step
- Shred cheese yourself
- Keep an eye on the broiler
- Taste before it goes in the oven
I've made tons of casseroles over the years and learned that good flavor in every bite and proper pasta cooking makes comfort food truly amazing.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make it early?
- Put it together 2 days in advance. Bake 10 minutes longer.
- → What kind of pasta should I use?
- Short shapes like rotini or ziti work well.
- → Any replacement for jarred Alfredo?
- Swap it with homemade bechamel or Alfredo.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- In the fridge for 3 days. Oven reheats it best.
- → Can I include veggies?
- Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli.