Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

This indulgent pasta dish combines tender penne, savory garlic butter ground beef, and a luscious cheese sauce for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying family meal, this recipe delivers bold flavors and creamy textures in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Cheesy: A creamy cheese sauce envelopes the pasta and beef for an irresistible combination.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this is a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or experiment with different cheeses.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Garlic Butter Ground Beef

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (warm)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water for later use.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
   • Stir in the onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until the onion is softened.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
   • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
   • Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
   • Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
   • Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ground beef.
   • Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and beef mixture. Toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
5. Serve:
   • Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired.
   • Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Protein Swap: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for ground beef.
• Cheese Blend: Mix in mozzarella, Gouda, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli works well with this recipe.

2. How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming lumpy?

Use warm milk and whisk constantly while adding it to the roux for a smooth sauce.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the components separately and combine just before serving. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.

4. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great substitutes for Parmesan.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch.

6. How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.

7. What sides pair well with this dish?

Garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables complement this pasta perfectly.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

While you can freeze it, the cheese sauce may separate upon reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

9. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce.

10. What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container and refrigerate. Add a bit of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors, creamy textures, and simple preparation. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this dish is versatile, indulgent, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a satisfying, homemade meal!

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