If you’re craving a comforting and hearty dish that can feed the whole family without too much hassle, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is exactly what you need. It’s everything you want in a dinner: creamy, cheesy, savory, and just the right amount of spice. The best part? It’s simple to make and can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients.

I first made this dish on a chilly weekend when I was craving something rich and satisfying, and it quickly became a staple in our household. The tender penne pasta coated in velvety cheese sauce combined with the savory, garlic butter ground beef is a combination that just hits all the right notes. Whether you’re cooking for the family or preparing a meal for a cozy night in, this cheesy pasta will definitely have everyone asking for seconds.

Let me walk you through the easy steps to make this incredible dish. You’re just a few ingredients away from a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting!

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is essential to help the pasta cook evenly and add flavor. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, making sure to cook it until al dente. This should take around 8-10 minutes, depending on the brand of pasta.

When the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water! You’ll use this later to help loosen up the cheese sauce if needed. It’s a little trick I always keep in my back pocket to make sure the sauce has the perfect consistency.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to get that garlic butter ground beef going. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is nice and melted, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring it’s browned and crumbled evenly.

Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. The garlic will release its aroma as it cooks, and the onion will soften, adding a sweet flavor to the mix. Stir in the Italian seasoning and smoked paprika if you’re using it. The smoked paprika is optional but adds a depth of flavor that pairs so beautifully with the garlic butter. Continue to cook everything for another 3-5 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and remove the skillet from heat. Set the beef mixture aside for now—you’ll be combining it with the pasta and cheese sauce shortly!

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Now, it’s time for the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute. This helps get rid of the raw flour taste and forms the base of the sauce.

Next, slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly. It’s important to add the milk gradually to avoid any lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is the moment where the magic happens, and you can already taste the comfort in the air!

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Beef, and Sauce

Now comes the fun part—putting everything together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter ground beef, making sure the pasta is evenly mixed with the beef. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta and beef mixture and give everything a good toss to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up a bit.

This is also where you can get creative—if you want the sauce to be even cheesier, add a little extra shredded cheese or Parmesan on top!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is combined and heated through, it’s time to serve! Transfer the cheesy penne to serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. These small touches not only make the dish look beautiful but also enhance the flavors.

Serve this dish with a side of crispy garlic bread or a light salad for a well-rounded meal. Trust me, once you dig in, you won’t be able to stop at just one bite!

Welcome back! Now that you’ve got the basics down for making this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, let’s take a closer look at how you can make this dish even better. Whether you’re in the mood for a little extra flavor or want to switch things up to suit your preferences, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe.

In Part 1, we covered the essentials of cooking the pasta, preparing the garlic butter ground beef, and making the smooth, cheesy sauce. Now let’s dive deeper into some helpful tips, variations, and possible tweaks to take this meal to the next level.

Step 6: Spice It Up

If you like a little extra heat, this dish is the perfect canvas for it. As mentioned earlier, red pepper flakes are an easy way to add some kick, but you can also try these other options:

Hot Sauce: Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce. It will blend right in and give a nice, subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
Fresh Jalapeños or Chilies: If you prefer fresh heat, try adding finely diced jalapeños or other chili peppers to the ground beef as it cooks. The heat will infuse into the beef, creating an extra layer of flavor.
Cayenne Pepper: A little cayenne goes a long way. Stir in a pinch or two along with the smoked paprika to give the entire dish a spicy edge.

Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking—this is a recipe that’s all about making it yours!

Step 7: Cheese Variations

While cheddar is a classic choice for this recipe, there are so many other cheeses you can swap in for something a little different. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Mozzarella: If you’re a fan of stretchy, melty cheese, mozzarella is a great option. It will give the dish a lovely gooey texture.
Gouda: For a more complex flavor, try gouda. It adds a smoky richness that pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter beef.
Fontina: This semi-soft cheese has a smooth texture and a slightly tangy flavor that works well in creamy sauces like this one.
Parmesan: For an even cheesier finish, sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top before serving. It adds a salty bite that takes the flavor to the next level.

Feel free to mix and match! You can even go half cheddar and half mozzarella for the perfect balance of sharp and creamy.

Step 8: Add Some Veggies

If you want to sneak in some extra veggies or simply prefer a more balanced meal, there are plenty of delicious additions you can make:

Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach towards the end of cooking the beef. It will wilt down nicely and add a bit of greenery to the dish.
Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and garlic. They’ll absorb the rich flavors and add a meaty texture without the meat.
Zucchini: For a lighter, summer-inspired twist, try adding sautéed zucchini. It’s mild in flavor but soaks up the cheesy sauce beautifully.
Bell Peppers: Chop up a bell pepper and throw it into the skillet when you cook the onions. The sweetness of the pepper will complement the savory ground beef perfectly.

These veggies add texture, color, and a healthy boost without sacrificing any of the flavor.

Step 9: Make It Lighter

If you’re looking to make this recipe a little lighter without sacrificing taste, here are a few ways to lighten things up:

Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken. Both options are delicious and lower in fat, making them perfect alternatives.
Low-Fat Dairy: Use low-fat milk and cheese options to reduce the calorie content while still keeping that creamy texture.
Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: You can substitute the regular penne with whole wheat pasta for added fiber or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Even with these changes, this dish will still be packed with flavor, so you won’t miss the richness too much.

Step 10: Make It Ahead

If you’re like me, you probably enjoy making a big batch of food that you can eat over a few days. Luckily, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef holds up well for meal prepping:

Store in the Fridge: Once prepared, this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for lunch the next day or a quick dinner later in the week.
Freeze It: Want to make it even further in advance? Freeze the cooked and combined pasta, beef, and cheese sauce in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of extra milk or pasta water to loosen up the sauce.

Meal prepping this dish can save you time while ensuring you always have a delicious meal ready to go.

Step 11: Serve It with Sides

While this dish is already hearty and satisfying, adding a couple of sides can take it from great to extraordinary. Consider serving it with:

Garlic Bread: This is a no-brainer! The crispy, buttery bread is the perfect complement to the creamy, cheesy pasta.
Caesar Salad: A fresh, crisp Caesar salad will balance out the richness of the pasta and give a nice crunch.
Roasted Vegetables: If you want to stick to the veggie theme, roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would work wonderfully alongside the creamy pasta.

Step 12: Garnish and Serve

The little finishing touches are what make this dish extra special:

Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens the rich flavors.
Extra Parmesan: Add a little extra grated Parmesan on top for a cheesy, salty finish that makes the dish even more indulgent.
A Squeeze of Lemon: If you want a bit of acidity to balance the richness, try a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving. It’s a simple addition, but it elevates the overall flavor profile.

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef