Cheesy Penne with Beef

Imagine tender penne pasta wrapped in a velvety cheese sauce, complemented by perfectly seasoned garlic butter ground beef in every satisfying bite. This dish transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical – the kind of comfort food that beckons you back to the kitchen for just one more helping. The rich, creamy cheese melds effortlessly with the pasta while the savory ground beef provides depth and texture that makes this meal irresistible. When those aromatic garlic notes hit your senses, you know you're in for something special that satisfies both body and soul.

I first made this recipe when my sister's family visited unexpectedly one rainy Sunday. Everyone gathered in the kitchen as the aroma filled the house, and before I knew it, all conversation stopped once we started eating. My normally picky nephew asked for seconds, and my brother-in-law quietly confessed he preferred it to his mother's beloved pasta recipe – though he made me promise never to tell her!

Ingredients Breakdown

• Penne pasta: The tubular shape captures pockets of creamy sauce inside each piece – choose a quality brand with ridges that will hold onto more sauce
• Ground beef: Provides hearty texture and rich flavor foundation – select 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without excess grease
• Minced garlic: Adds aromatic punch and depth – fresh cloves provide significantly better flavor than pre-minced varieties from jars
• Garlic powder: Reinforces the fresh garlic with a mellower, more evenly distributed flavor throughout the sauce
• Onion powder: Contributes subtle sweetness and savory notes – much gentler than fresh onion while complementing the beef perfectly
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Delivers gentle heat that balances the richness of the cheese sauce – adjust quantity to your preferred spice level
• Unsalted butter: Creates the silky base for your sauce – European-style butter with higher fat content produces an even more luxurious result
• Heavy cream: Provides the luscious, velvety texture that makes this dish so comforting – don't substitute with lighter options if you want that restaurant-quality richness
• Shredded mozzarella: Melts into stretchy, gooey perfection – always shred your own from a block for superior melting qualities without anti-caking agents
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty complexity – authentic aged Parmigiano Reggiano elevates the entire dish with its nutty depth
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich flavors with color and freshness – Italian flat-leaf variety offers more pronounced flavor than curly parsley

The quality of your cheese makes all the difference in this recipe. When I switched from pre-shredded to block mozzarella that I grated myself, my husband immediately noticed the improvement in texture. The sauce became silkier without that slightly grainy quality that sometimes happens with packaged shredded cheese. It's that one extra step that transforms this from a good weeknight dinner to something that feels special enough for company.

Cooking Process

Pasta Preparation:

Fill a large pot with water about three-quarters full and add a generous tablespoon of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat until the water bubbles vigorously. Add the penne pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente – typically 9-11 minutes. The pasta should have a slight firmness when bitten. Before draining, reserve half a cup of starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.

Beef Transformation:

Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until you can feel warmth radiating above the surface. Add a swirl of olive oil and wait until it shimmers slightly. Add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Allow the meat to develop a golden-brown crust before stirring, which concentrates flavor. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until all pink has disappeared and edges begin to caramelize slightly. The slight crunch of properly browned beef provides wonderful textural contrast with the creamy pasta.

Aromatic Enhancement:

Add minced garlic directly to the browned beef and stir constantly for about 90 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not brown. Immediately sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt. This sequence allows the spices to bloom in the hot fat, releasing their essential oils and intensifying their flavors. Continue stirring for another minute as your kitchen fills with an intoxicating aroma that promises delicious things to come.

Sauce Creation:

Reduce heat to medium-low before adding butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt completely, coating the seasoned beef with its rich smoothness. Pour in heavy cream in a slow, steady stream while stirring continuously to incorporate all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture gently simmer for 3-4 minutes, watching as it thickens slightly and takes on a golden hue. The importance of patience during this step cannot be overstated – rushing will prevent the flavors from fully developing.

Cheesy Integration:

Add shredded mozzarella in small handfuls, stirring between additions to ensure smooth melting. Once fully incorporated, sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce reaches a silky consistency that coats the back of a spoon. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, fold in the cooked penne, gently tossing until every piece is generously coated with the luscious sauce.

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I've always been particular about pasta water – my grandmother taught me this trick when I was just learning to cook. She'd say "this cloudy water is liquid gold" and show me how adding just a splash would transform a broken sauce into something smooth and cohesive. Now when I make this dish for my own family, I make sure to set some aside before draining. That simple step has rescued many pasta dishes over the years when the cheese sauce started to tighten up too much.

Perfect Pairings

This hearty pasta dish shines brightest when balanced with thoughtful accompaniments. A crisp, lemony arugula salad provides welcome brightness against the rich pasta, with its peppery notes cutting through the creaminess beautifully. For bread lovers, warm garlic knots offer the perfect vehicle for scooping up extra sauce while reinforcing the garlic notes in the main dish. During summer months, I serve this alongside roasted asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze for an elegant contrast that elevates the entire meal.

Tasty Twists

This adaptable recipe welcomes creative variations to suit any preference or dietary need. For a Mediterranean-inspired version, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and spinach during the final minutes of cooking, finishing with crumbled feta instead of parmesan for a tangy twist. Health-conscious eaters might prefer using ground turkey and whole wheat pasta, adding finely diced bell peppers to increase vegetable content without sacrificing flavor. Spice enthusiasts can transform this into a Cajun delight by doubling the red pepper flakes and adding blackened seasoning to the beef during browning.

Leftover Love

Properly stored leftovers continue to develop flavor overnight, making next-day enjoyment something to look forward to. Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The dish maintains its quality for up to three days when properly refrigerated. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's silky texture. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. The pasta tends to absorb sauce overnight, so this additional liquid helps maintain the creamy consistency that makes this dish so special.

The first time I served this to company, I was running behind schedule and tried to rush the sauce by turning up the heat. Big mistake! The cream separated slightly, and though it still tasted delicious, the texture wasn't as velvety as usual. I've learned that good pasta dishes can't be rushed – those few extra minutes of gentle simmering make all the difference between a good meal and a memorable one that friends request the recipe for. Now I build in that extra time whenever I make this dish and enjoy the process as much as the result.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute.

→ How do I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and ground turkey instead of beef.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.