Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that checks all the boxes—flavor, texture, and total indulgence—then this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is your new best friend. Picture perfectly cooked penne pasta, enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, paired with savory ground beef in a rich garlic butter sauce. Trust me, you’re going to want to have this recipe on repeat. It’s so hearty, delicious, and easy to make that it’s practically a weeknight dinner essential!

This recipe is perfect for when you’re craving something cheesy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of garlic butter and ground beef creates a rich and flavorful base, and when you mix in cheese and pasta, it’s like a big, warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s so satisfying—whether you’re serving it to the family or treating yourself, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

  • Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to devour.
  • Cheesy Goodness: If you’re a cheese lover, this one’s for you. The cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, dreamy dish that everyone will love.
  • Savory and Flavorful: The garlic butter beef adds such rich, savory flavor to this pasta that each bite is bursting with deliciousness.
  • Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this dish—it’s the perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and hearty.

Ingredients

For the Penne and Ground Beef:

  • Penne Pasta: This sturdy pasta is perfect for holding up to the rich sauce and beef. You can also use rigatoni or ziti if you prefer.
  • Ground Beef: The savory, rich flavor of the beef creates the base of the dish and pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to infusing the sauce with flavor. It makes the whole dish smell irresistible as it cooks.
  • Butter: Adds richness to the garlic sauce and complements the ground beef beautifully.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and beef.
  • Italian Seasoning: For a boost of herby goodness that elevates the flavor profile of the entire dish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little kick, you can add some red pepper flakes to give it a subtle heat.

For the Cheesy Sauce:

  • Heavy Cream: This creamy base turns the dish rich and velvety.
  • Shredded Mozzarella: Melty mozzarella is the perfect cheese for this dish, making it wonderfully gooey.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A bit of sharpness to balance the richness of the mozzarella and cream.
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste, to make sure the dish is perfectly seasoned.

(Note: The full ingredients list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Cook the Penne:

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked al dente, drain and set aside, reserving a little bit of pasta water to help create the sauce later.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed, and set the beef aside on a plate.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to combine.

4. Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine the Pasta and Beef:

Add the cooked penne and ground beef to the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from the heat. Serve the dish hot, topped with a little extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

This dish is hearty and satisfying all on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, try serving it with:

  • Garlic Bread: Because let’s be real, you can never have enough garlic! Warm, crusty garlic bread is the perfect companion to this cheesy pasta.
  • Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots are great side options to balance out the meal.

Additional Tips

  • Make it Meatless: Want to skip the beef? You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
  • Add More Cheese: If you love your cheese, feel free to throw in a bit more mozzarella or even some cheddar for extra flavor.
  • Spice it Up: For more heat, you can add some diced jalapeños or a few extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to use any short pasta shape you prefer, like rigatoni or ziti. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this dish can be made ahead! Just prepare everything and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stove and add a little extra cream or milk to loosen up the sauce.

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: This pasta dish freezes well! After cooking, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?
A4: If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick.

Q5: Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
A5: Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half for a lighter version. The sauce may be a little thinner, but still delicious.


This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the kind of meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It’s comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you can whip it up on a busy weeknight and still feel like a gourmet chef. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting, one-pan pasta dish that’s packed with flavor. Tender penne pasta is combined with savory ground beef, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, and loaded with melted cheese for the ultimate cheesy goodness. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Cook the Ground Beef:
    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  • Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
    Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are softened.
  • Combine the Sauce and Pasta:
    Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Pour in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Add the Cheese:
    Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
  • Combine Pasta and Beef:
    Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
  • Garnish and Serve:
    Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • If you prefer a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 4 servings)
  • Calories: 600 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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