Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting, and downright irresistible pasta dinner, look no further than Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. This dish is everything you want in a weeknight meal: creamy, cheesy, beefy, and bursting with flavor from garlic butter and melty cheeses. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers to look forward to, this skillet pasta will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a key role, from the tender pasta to the rich sauce and savory beef. Here’s what you’ll need to make every bite memorable:
- Penne pasta: The classic tube shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully for flavor in every forkful.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a luxurious, velvety texture to the garlic butter base.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and onions while complementing the butter’s richness.
- Ground beef: The star protein, bringing heartiness and a savory depth that anchors the dish.
- Onion: Diced and softened, it adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Garlic: Four cloves ensure you get a bold, aromatic punch in every bite.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for that classic, comforting flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness that makes the sauce truly sing.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
- Black pepper: A hint of sharpness to balance the richness.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce and gives it that luscious, creamy consistency.
- Milk: The base of your cheese sauce, making it smooth and dreamy.
- Beef broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for sharp, gooey goodness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Gives that iconic cheese pull and creamy texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty notes to round out the flavors.
- Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green freshness for garnish and color contrast.
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Step 1: Cook the Penne
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your penne and cook it until just al dente—about 10 minutes. You want the pasta to have a little bite, so it stands up to the creamy sauce later. Drain the penne well and set it aside while you work on the star of the show: the garlic butter beef sauce!
Step 2: Sauté Ground Beef and Onions
In a large skillet, heat up the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat as you go. You want the beef nicely browned and the onions soft and golden—this is where the flavor starts to build.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Now, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant. This step is key for layering that irresistible garlic butter aroma throughout the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken your sauce later. Slowly pour in the milk and beef broth, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer; after about 3–4 minutes, it’ll thicken up into a rich, savory sauce.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Watch as the cheeses melt into the sauce, transforming it into a creamy, dreamy mixture that smells absolutely amazing. This is the moment that makes Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef so irresistible!
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked penne to your skillet and toss everything together until each piece of pasta is coated in that luscious cheese sauce. Serve the pasta warm, and don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Get ready to dive in!
How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color. For an extra cheesy touch, grate a little more Parmesan over the top just before serving. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is a fantastic finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian dressing or a batch of garlicky roasted vegetables. Warm, crusty bread or homemade garlic bread is always a hit—perfect for scooping up every last bit of that creamy sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes, topped with an extra layer of cheese and broiled until bubbly. Or, spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake for a colorful, veggie-packed presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch seriously crave-worthy.
Freezing
You can freeze Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef for up to two months. Let the pasta cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is classic for this dish, you can swap in rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini. Just choose a shape that holds sauce well for the best Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef experience.
What ground meats work best in this recipe?
Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken make excellent lighter alternatives. For extra richness, you can use a mix of beef and pork, or even try ground sausage for a flavor twist.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the penne and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the sauce. Check your beef broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
How spicy is this recipe?
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef isn’t spicy as written, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat. It’s easy to customize to your family’s taste!
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, or bell peppers are all delicious additions. Stir them in after browning the beef and onions for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a skillet full of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef—it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly it disappears. You’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef combines tender penne pasta with a rich and creamy blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses melted into a savory garlic butter ground beef sauce. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner, it offers a flavorful American-Italian twist with simple ingredients and easy stovetop preparation.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, heat unsalted butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onion is tender.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld without burning the garlic.
- Create the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. Slowly whisk in the milk and beef broth to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted into a creamy sauce.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is completely coated with the cheesy beef sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the cheesy penne onto plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes during the garlic and seasoning step.
- Sautéed mushrooms can be added with the onions for an earthier flavor.
- This dish reheats well; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter alternative, substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
