Okay, let’s get cozy and talk about one of my family’s absolute favorite comfort foods: Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. I can almost smell it now, can’t you? It’s one of those meals that just screams “home” to me.
I remember the first time I made it. Mark, my youngest, was going through a picky eating phase. Everything was “yucky” or “too green,” you know how it goes. I was desperate for something that would actually get him to eat a decent meal, and frankly, I was tired of chicken nuggets. I had some ground beef in the fridge, penne in the pantry (always!), and a serious craving for garlic. That’s when the magic happened.
I whipped up a simple garlic butter penne pasta sauce, mixed in the cooked ground beef, and topped it with a mountain of cheese. It was an instant hit! Mark ate two bowls, and my eldest, Sarah, declared it her new favorite. From that day on, Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef became a regular on our dinner table.
Of course, over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe here and there, learned a few tricks (and made my fair share of mistakes!), and discovered some secrets that make it even more delicious. One time, I accidentally grabbed sugar instead of salt. Let me tell you, that batch went straight into the bin! I learned my lesson that day. And I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned with you, so you can make this a success in your own kitchen.
It’s perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something quick, satisfying, and kid-friendly. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ground beef. I promise, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. Trust me, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a game-changer. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! You’re going to love how easy and delicious this is.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this family-favorite Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. Don’t worry, most of it’s probably already in your pantry!
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt (don’t grab the sugar, like I did that one time!)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (I always use fresh garlic; it makes a huge difference!)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (I prefer whole milk for extra creaminess, but 2% works too)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives it a nice kick)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that perfect cheese pull!)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (because why not?)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Okay, a little ingredient story time. Did you know that I used to buy pre-shredded cheese? It seemed so convenient, right? But my mom, who’s a fantastic cook, always told me to shred my own cheese. She said it melts better and tastes fresher. And you know what? She was right! Now, I always buy blocks of cheese and shred them myself. It takes a few extra minutes, but it’s so worth it. Plus, it’s usually cheaper! I learned the hard way that fresh ingredients make a huge difference, especially in something like this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef.
Another tip: when you’re buying ground beef, look for a package that’s bright red. That means it’s fresh. I also prefer to buy ground beef with a lower fat percentage, like 90/10. It’s healthier, and you don’t have to drain off as much grease after cooking. Trust me, these little things make a big difference!
For the garlic, I swear by fresh garlic. I’ve tried the pre-minced stuff in a jar, but it just doesn’t have the same flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use a garlic press to mince the garlic quickly. I got mine years ago, and it’s one of my most used kitchen gadgets!
And for the milk, like I said, I love using whole milk for extra creaminess. But if you’re watching your calories, 2% milk works just fine. You can even use skim milk, but the sauce might not be quite as rich. It’s all about personal preference! This recipe for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is super flexible, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking.
Let’s Cook – Step by Step
Alright, let’s get started! Don’t worry, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is so easy, even a beginner can make it. I promise!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important! You want the oven nice and hot so the cheese gets all melty and bubbly.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Make sure you salt the water! This is a trick my Italian grandmother taught me. It really brings out the flavor of the pasta. Cook it until it’s al dente – that means it should still have a little bit of a bite to it. It will continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t want it to get mushy.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy ground beef pasta bake!
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it’s softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is the worst. I’ve done it more times than I’d like to admit.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour until smooth. This is called a roux. It’s the base of our creamy garlic butter penne pasta sauce. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, until the roux is golden brown. This helps get rid of that raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth. This is important! If you add all the milk at once, you’ll end up with lumps. Nobody wants lumpy sauce! Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens! The cheese makes the sauce so creamy and delicious. And don’t be afraid to add more cheese! I always add a little extra.
- Add the cooked pasta and ground beef mixture to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated in the sauce. This is what makes it a creamy garlic butter sauce that’s to die for.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or butter to grease the dish. I usually use butter because it adds a little extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it! You want the cheese to be golden brown, but not burnt.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. And that’s it! You’ve made Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef!
During the baking time, I usually tidy up the kitchen or maybe start a salad to go with the ground beef pasta bake. Sometimes I’ll even sneak in a quick chapter of my book! It’s all about multitasking, right?
And a little tip: if the top of the casserole starts to get too brown before the inside is heated through, you can tent it with foil. Just loosely cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning. This has saved me more times than I can count!
Serving Suggestions
Okay, so you’ve got this beautiful Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef all bubbly and golden brown. Now what? Well, serving is the easy part!
My family loves this served with a simple green salad. The freshness of the salad cuts through the richness of the casserole perfectly. I usually just toss some lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots with a vinaigrette dressing. It’s quick, easy, and healthy!
Sometimes I’ll also serve it with some garlic bread. I know, it’s a lot of carbs, but it’s so good! I just buy a loaf of French bread, slice it in half, spread it with garlic butter, and bake it in the oven until it’s golden brown. It’s the perfect way to soak up all that delicious creamy garlic butter sauce.
Mark, my youngest, always wants extra cheese on top. He’s a cheese fanatic! Sarah, on the other hand, likes to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat. My husband, John, just likes to eat as much as he can!
I usually make this cheesy ground beef casserole when we have company over. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! Everyone loves it, and it’s so easy to make ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. It’s a lifesaver when you’re trying to entertain!
Leftovers, if there are any, are great for lunch the next day. I usually just microwave them, but you can also reheat them in the oven. They’re just as delicious the second time around! Sometimes I’ll even add a little bit of extra cheese on top when I reheat them. Because, why not?
I’ve gotten so many compliments on this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef over the years. People always ask me for the recipe, and I’m always happy to share it. It’s just one of those dishes that everyone loves. It’s a comforting hug in a dish, you know?
FAQ
Okay, let’s tackle some of the questions you might have about this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe. I’ve made this dish so many times, I’ve probably encountered every possible problem!
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Penne is my go-to, but you can use any short pasta shape you like. Elbow macaroni, rotini, or even farfalle (bowtie pasta) would work well. Just make sure it’s a shape that will hold the sauce nicely. If you like rigatoni, you may want to try my Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef!
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! This ground beef pasta bake is perfect for making ahead. Just assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting out cold.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. Assemble the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then wrap it in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking and bake as directed. You’ll definitely need to add extra time to the baking. Keep an eye on it.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey. It’s a great way to make this dish a little bit healthier. Just make sure you cook the ground turkey until it’s no longer pink. You might need to add a little bit of extra olive oil to the skillet since ground turkey is leaner than ground beef.
Q: My sauce is too thick. What should I do?
A: If your creamy garlic butter sauce is too thick, just add a little bit of extra milk until it reaches the desired consistency. Start with a quarter of a cup of milk and add more as needed.
Q: My sauce is too thin. What should I do?
A: If your sauce is too thin, you can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold milk. Stir this mixture into the sauce and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Some good options include chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Just add them to the skillet along with the onion and garlic and cook until they’re softened.
Q: My kids are picky eaters. Will they like this?
A: That’s a tough one, because all kids are different! But this easy penne recipe is usually a hit with picky eaters because it’s cheesy and comforting. You can try using a milder cheddar cheese or adding some hidden veggies, like finely chopped carrots or zucchini. You can also try serving it with a side of their favorite vegetable. And if all else fails, you can always bribe them with dessert!
Closing Thoughts
Well, there you have it! My family’s favorite Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe. It’s more than just a recipe to me; it’s a collection of memories, a symbol of family dinners, and a reminder that even the simplest dishes can bring so much joy.
This recipe reminds me of my grandma, who always said the best meals are made with love. And she was right! When you’re cooking for your family, put your heart into it, and they’ll taste the difference.
My Personal Tips:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking.
- Use good quality cheese. It makes a huge difference in the flavor and texture of the casserole.
- Don’t overcook the pasta! You want it to be al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
Here are a few variations I’ve tried with my family:
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat. My husband loves this version!
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables, like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. My daughter, Sarah, prefers this version.
- Creamy Tomato Version: Add a can of crushed tomatoes to the sauce for a tangy twist. This version is my personal favorite! For another tomato-based recipe that is similar, try my Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef!
No matter how you make it, I hope this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef becomes a family favorite in your home too. I hope it fills your kitchen with warmth, your bellies with deliciousness, and your hearts with love. And remember, cooking is all about having fun! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, to experiment, and to create something that’s truly your own. Now, go get cooking and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with seasoned ground beef and plenty of melted cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the ground beef sauce. Toss to coat.
- Stir in the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For an extra touch, broil the pasta for a minute or two after adding the cheese to get a golden-brown crust.