Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Ingredients

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

Instructions:

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
  3. Stir in the onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until the onion is softened.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  3. Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
  4. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ground beef.
  2. 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.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired.
  2. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Cheesy and Comforting: The creamy cheese sauce makes this dish irresistibly rich.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies, like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the beef for extra heat.
  2. Switch the Cheese: Use mozzarella, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
  3. Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli or sautéed zucchini for added nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

  • 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 loosen the sauce.
  • Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite! 🧄🧈🍝✨

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