Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe! Perfectly cooked penne pasta is coated in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce with tender ground beef, then topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s quick, hearty, and packed with flavor—ideal for a weeknight dinner or when you need something truly satisfying.
Why Our Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Is the Best
This dish is a one-skillet masterpiece! The savory Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, and creamy cheese sauce create a flavor explosion in every bite. The Italian seasoning and hint of red pepper flakes add just the right kick, making this recipe far from ordinary. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients Notes Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Every ingredient in this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe has its role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 oz penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly, but you can substitute with rigatoni or ziti.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds heartiness and protein to the dish. Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- 3 tablespoons butter: The base of the garlic butter sauce, providing rich flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star ingredient for aromatic, garlicky goodness.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings classic herb flavors to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat—leave it out if you prefer mild flavors.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky and rich.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Adds depth to the sauce while keeping it light.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese:For the gooey, melty cheese topping.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes to the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish and a touch of freshness.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Pro Tip: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half if you’re looking for a lighter version.
Kitchen Tools Needed Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
This easy, flavor-packed dish comes together in just a few steps. Let’s dive in!
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. If needed, drain any excess grease.
3. Sauté Garlic and Onion
Push the cooked ground beef to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add Seasoning
Stir the garlic and onion into the ground beef, then add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
6. Combine the Pasta and Beef
Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic butter beef mixture.
7. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness!
How To Store Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-loaded version.
- Spicy Twist: Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Chicken or Turkey Swap: Replace the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Bacon Lovers: Toss in crispy, crumbled bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
- Herby Upgrade: Add fresh basil or oregano along with the parsley for a fragrant herb boost.
What To Serve With Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Pair this rich and creamy pasta dish with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the flavors. For a classic Italian-inspired meal, serve it with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. For drinks, a glass of red wine or a sparkling lemonade complements the meal beautifully.
Top Tips for Perfect Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta holds up better when tossed with the hot sauce.
- Drain Grease from Beef: This prevents the sauce from becoming overly oily.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can have additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Simmer the Sauce Gently: Avoid boiling the cream to prevent curdling.
- Season to Taste: Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Helpful Notes
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or pasta water to thin it out.
- You can prepare the pasta while browning the beef to save time.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Gordon Ramsay: Always toast your garlic slightly for maximum flavor before adding it to the dish.
- Giada De Laurentiis: Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end to add brightness to a rich dish.
- Rachael Ray: Keep a cup of pasta water on hand to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work just as well.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
3. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, store the pasta and sauce separately and combine before reheating.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make excellent additions.
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort meal that’s sure to please the entire family. Give it a try and savor every creamy, cheesy bite!
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Ingredients
– Pasta & Beef:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp butter
– Veggies & Seasoning:
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
– Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Topping & Garnish:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Add Garlic and Onion: Push the beef to one side of the skillet and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
- Season the Beef: Stir the sautéed garlic and onion into the ground beef. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Beef: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss it with the garlic butter beef and sauce until fully coated.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Customization: Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies, or swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
- Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.