This Cheesy Penne is a warm and comforting dish made with pasta, juicy ground beef, and rich garlic butter. Oh, and did I mention the cheese? Plenty of it melts into a yummy sauce!
Cooking this recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket. It’s quick to make, so you won’t be stuck at the stove for hours—perfect for those busy nights when you just want to dig in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This recipe uses penne for its tube shape which holds sauce well. You can swap it with other pasta types like rigatoni or ziti if you’re out of penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Ground Beef: While beef gives a rich flavor, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, swap with mushrooms or lentils cooked with your favorite seasonings.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar adds sharpness, while mozzarella brings creaminess. If you want a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. I find Monterey Jack to be a tasty substitute as well!
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness in your dish. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute.
How Do I Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
Creating a creamy cheese sauce is simpler than it sounds. The roux (butter and flour mixture) is essential here. Follow these steps for success:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter on medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the melted butter, whisking constantly. This should form a paste.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure no lumps remain. Keep stirring until it thickens, which usually takes 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy; stir until fully melted.
Maintaining medium heat is crucial here. Too hot, and your sauce can scorch or curdle.
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter and Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Meat and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook! You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting everything ready and another 20 minutes cooking everything up. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other components.
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Then, add the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if you’re using it. If there’s too much fat, feel free to drain the excess. This mixture is the heart of your dish!
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. You want that garlicky goodness!
5. Make the Roux:
Now, sprinkle the flour over the garlic butter and stir constantly. This will form a roux that thickens the sauce, so cook it for about 1 minute. Keep stirring to avoid burning.
6. Whisk in the Milk:
Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes. You’ll notice it’s becoming creamy and smooth. Yum!
7. Add the Cheeses:
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Keep stirring until they melt and create a creamy cheese sauce that dreams are made of!
8. Combine Everything:
Finally, add the cooked pasta and the ground beef mixture to the cheesy sauce. Gently stir everything together until the pasta is well coated and combined.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your delicious creation! Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Your lovely dish is almost ready.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cheesy Penne hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy every cheesy bite of this comforting dish!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter and Ground Beef
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular penne with gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to follow package instructions for cooking times, as they may vary from regular pasta.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or chopped veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. These alternatives will still provide a delicious flavor and texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to help restore the creaminess.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Penne! Just make sure it’s completely cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
