There’s something magical about a dish that combines tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and a luscious garlic butter cheese sauce. This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Every bite brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with the warm flavors of garlic and paprika-spiced beef. It’s the kind of dish that has everyone coming back for seconds – and possibly thirds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish is rich, creamy, and satisfying, making it the perfect pick-me-up meal.
- Easy and Quick: With simple steps and a cook time of just 20 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: The mild flavors and cheesy sauce make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken to suit your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil to keep it from sticking together. Set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned and no longer pink, stir in the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the garlic is softened. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using) for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta and beef are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color, and serve the dish hot. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad to complete the meal.
Helpful Tips:
- Make It Lighter: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Boost the Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli to sneak in more nutrients.
- Adjust the Heat: Skip the red pepper flakes if serving to kids or those sensitive to spice, or double it for a spicy kick.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made gluten-free with GF pasta and flour.
Notes:
- To reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.
- For a deeper flavor, use a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~450 kcal
Carbs: 40g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, rotini, rigatoni, or shells would work just as well.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Monterey Jack or gouda would be excellent alternatives for a creamy and melty cheese sauce.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
- Freeze: While the sauce may separate slightly when frozen, you can store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and whisk to re-emulsify.
Related Recipes:
If you enjoyed this dish, you’ll love these cheesy favorites:
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or indulging in a solo treat, this dish will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your table. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
Print
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef – Creamy, Savory, and So Satisfying!
Description
There’s something magical about a dish that combines tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and a luscious garlic butter cheese sauce. This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Every bite brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with the warm flavors of garlic and paprika-spiced beef. It’s the kind of dish that has everyone coming back for seconds – and possibly thirds!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil to keep it from sticking together. Set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned and no longer pink, stir in the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the garlic is softened. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using) for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta and beef are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color, and serve the dish hot. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad to complete the meal.
Notes
- To reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.
- For a deeper flavor, use a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
