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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

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This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food! 🍝✨ With tender penne pasta, savory garlic butter beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this pasta is sure to become a favorite.

The combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese creates a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every bite. The garlic butter beef adds a deep, savory richness, making this dish irresistibly delicious. Plus, it’s easy to customize—swap the ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option! Serve it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the pasta:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

For the beef:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter

For the cheese sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  3. Add minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the beef. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt into the beef mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until smooth.
  5. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and garlic butter ground beef in a large skillet or pot. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Serve warm and enjoy.

 

Notes

  • Pasta Choice: While penne is ideal, you can also use rigatoni, rotini, or shells to hold the sauce well. (Learn more about pasta varieties here.)
  • Cheese Tip: For the best results, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded. It melts smoother and creates a creamier sauce. (Discover more about cheddar cheese here.)
  • Garlic Butter Beef Tip: Don’t skip the butter! It adds richness and enhances the garlic flavor.
  • Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use Pepper Jack cheese for extra heat.
  • Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy. (Find more pasta storage tips on Pinterest.)

This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves cheesy, garlicky, and comforting pasta dishes! 🍽️🧀

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/cheesy-penne-with-garlic-butter-ground-beef/