The Best Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love a recipe that wraps you up in comfort and doesn’t make a fuss about it. That’s exactly what this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef does—it’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, but still simple enough to throw together on a weeknight. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell like someone’s been cooking all day, even if you just started twenty minutes ago.

What makes this dish shine is its beautiful balance of richness and ease. You’ve got tender penne pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce that’s downright indulgent, paired with savory garlic butter ground beef that gives every bite a little kick of homey, satisfying goodness. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll have your family asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds—without you breaking a sweat.

I especially love how adaptable it is. Add in a handful of spinach, toss in some mushrooms, or swap the penne for whatever pasta’s hiding in your pantry—it all works. And the best part? It uses everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. No fancy shopping trips, no complicated steps—just real food, real fast.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry bunch after a long day or looking for a cozy weekend dish to curl up with, this recipe delivers. It’s comfort food done right—no stress, all flavor, and a whole lot of love in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get cooking, let’s gather up everything you’ll need. Nothing fancy here—just simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to make something truly comforting.

For the Cheesy Penne

These ingredients make the creamy, cheesy base that hugs every bite of pasta. It’s rich, smooth, and just the kind of sauce that’ll have folks scraping the plate clean.

• 12 ounces penne pasta – You can use any pasta you’ve got, but penne holds the sauce real nice.

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – For starting that creamy base just right.

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce and make it silky.

• 2 cups whole milk – Gives the sauce its creaminess (you can use 2% if that’s what’s in the fridge).

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Adds bold, cheesy flavor.

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and makes everything gooey and irresistible.

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – Just a little something to bring depth to the sauce.

• Salt and pepper to taste – A few pinches here and there to season it just right.

For the Garlic Butter Ground Beef

This part brings the heartiness and savory goodness. That garlic butter soaks right into the beef and makes it something special.

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) – Lean enough to keep it from being greasy, but with enough fat for flavor.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps the beef brown up nicely.

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Melts into the beef and garlic for rich flavor.

• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic gives it a warm, savory punch.

• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth.

• ½ teaspoon paprika – For a little warmth and color.

• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – Brings a gentle herbiness to round out the flavors.

• Salt and black pepper to taste – Always season to taste—trust your instincts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to whip up something hearty and delicious? Don’t worry—this recipe’s as easy as pie (maybe easier!), and I’ll walk you through it just like I would a friend sitting at my kitchen table. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first—get that pasta going.

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt (like my mama always said, it should taste like the sea), and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in 12 ounces of penne pasta and cook until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 10–11 minutes depending on the brand. You want it to have just a little bite—it’ll soak up some of the sauce later and finish softening up.

When it’s ready, drain the pasta, give it a quick rinse under warm water to stop the cooking, and set it aside. Don’t worry if it cools off a bit—we’re going to warm everything up again when it all comes together.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Ground Beef

While the pasta’s boiling, let’s cook up the heart of the dish—that savory, garlicky beef.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up. Toss in 1 pound of ground beef and start breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Go ahead and drain off any excess grease if there’s a lot.

Now here’s where the magic happens—lower the heat just a bit and add in 3 tablespoons of butter. Once it melts, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. Let that cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant and everything smells downright heavenly.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then turn the heat down to low to keep it warm while we whip up the cheese sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Add Cheese

Now let’s bring it all together in the cheesiest, coziest way.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly—it should look like a smooth, golden paste. Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Keep whisking and cooking until the mixture thickens—this takes about 4–5 minutes.

Once it’s nice and creamy, turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Stir until everything’s melted and smooth. Season with a little salt and pepper if needed.

Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter beef, pour the cheese sauce over the top, and stir it all together until every bite is coated in cheesy, garlicky goodness.

And just like that—you’ve got a big, beautiful pot of comfort food that’s ready to serve and sure to disappear fast!