Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

There’s something magical about a dish that combines pasta, cheese, and garlic butter—especially when ground beef is involved. This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the kind of comfort food that brings people to the table fast. It’s rich, hearty, cheesy, and loaded with garlicky goodness. Whether you’re cooking for your family, guests, or just treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make this cheesy comfort food favorite—just a few basics and bold ingredients that pack big flavor. Grab what you need and get cooking fast.

Kitchen Tools (Amazon-ready):

• Large skillet – for cooking the beef and sauce – Get it

• Pasta pot & colander – to boil and drain penne – Check price

• Wooden spoon – for stirring everything together – Buy here

• Cheese grater – for freshly shredded cheese – Shop now

Essential Ingredients:

• Penne pasta – holds the sauce perfectly – Buy now

• Ground beef – savory and hearty – Check options

• Mozzarella & Parmesan – melty, cheesy finish – Grab it

• Garlic, butter & cream – rich, bold flavor base – Get here

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.

• Super cheesy and creamy – A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan brings irresistible creaminess.

• Flavor-packed – Thanks to garlic butter, Italian seasoning, and a touch of red pepper flakes.

• Perfect for leftovers – It reheats like a dream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  The Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta – Firm, tube-shaped pasta perfect for catching every bit of sauce.

  The Beefy Garlic Butter Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef – Use lean for less grease, or 80/20 for richer flavor.

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter – The star behind that savory garlic butter taste.

• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best for that bold flavor punch.

• 1 tsp onion powder – Enhances the depth of flavor without adding texture.

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Adds that perfect herbaceous note.

• Salt & black pepper, to taste – Adjust to your liking.

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a little heat for the spice lovers.

• 1/2 cup beef broth – Deepens the umami and keeps things saucy.

  The Cheesy Finish

• 1/2 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce rich and velvety.

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey finish.

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Brings salty, nutty richness.

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley – A fresh, colorful garnish to brighten the plate.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Colander for draining

• Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

3. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.

  Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.

2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown!).

3. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.

4. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

5. Season with onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

6. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes.

  Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. Lower the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream.

2. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

  Step 4: Combine and Melt the Cheese

1. Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the beef and sauce.

2. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.

3. Gradually sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring continuously until everything is melted and gooey.

4. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

  Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

2. Serve hot and melty with extra Parmesan on the side if you like.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Fresh garlic is non-negotiable – Jarred garlic just doesn’t pack the same punch.

• Grate your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.

• Season as you go – Taste throughout the process to adjust salt and spice to your preference.

• Don’t overcook the pasta – You want it to hold up in the sauce and not turn mushy.

Variations to Try

  Spicy Kick

Add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a fiery twist.

  Veggie Boost

Stir in spinach, peas, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.

  Different Cheeses

Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or use a blend of cheddar and Gruyère for a deeper flavor profile.

What to Serve with Cheesy Penne

• Garlic bread – Because more garlic is always better.

• Simple green salad – A crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.

• Roasted veggies – Think asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

  Refrigerating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.

• Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  Freezing Tips

• Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

  Best Reheating Methods

• Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or broth, stir frequently over medium heat.

• Microwave: Cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Weeknights

This recipe is the ultimate weeknight hero. It uses common pantry staples, takes less than 30 minutes, and pleases picky eaters. It’s one of those “dump it in and stir” kind of meals that feels fancy but is super easy to pull off—even on the busiest nights.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

• Calories: 600–700 per serving

• Protein: 30g

• Carbs: 45g

• Fat: 35g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 2g

(These values can vary based on exact brands and ingredient substitutions.)

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s equal parts satisfying, cheesy, garlicky, and downright comforting, then this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the answer. It’s the kind of meal that makes you forget about takeout and actually enjoy being in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just indulging in a cheesy pasta craving, this recipe won’t let you down.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! Rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells work well. Just go with something that holds sauce nicely.

2. Is it okay to use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great for a leaner version, though you may want to add a little extra seasoning.

3. How can I make it vegetarian?

Skip the ground beef and use mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly dish.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Store in the fridge and reheat portions as needed.

5. What’s the best way to keep the cheese from clumping?

Make sure the heat is low when you stir in the cheese and add it gradually while constantly stirring.

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