Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

If there’s one meal I find myself craving on chilly evenings, it’s Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. This dish is the ultimate comfort food—think perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a silky, cheesy sauce, blended with juicy ground beef that’s been sautéed in fragrant garlic butter. It’s hearty, gooey, and laced with Italian flavors, making every forkful taste like a warm hug. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or surprising a friend with homemade goodness, this recipe always hits the spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet crucial, working together to create a delicious harmony of taste and texture. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap—the magic is in their combination!

• 12 oz penne pasta: The tube-shaped pasta perfectly holds the cheesy sauce and savory ground beef in every bite.
• 1 lb ground beef: Use lean ground beef for the best flavor and just the right amount of richness.
• 3 tablespoons butter: This is the secret to that drool-worthy garlic butter flavor shining through.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Softens and sweetens as it cooks, lifting the savory notes of the beef.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A generous sprinkle brings classic Italian vibes and herby warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, this gives the dish a subtle kick.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The base for our creamy sauce, adding silkiness that clings to every penne.
• 1/2 cup beef broth: Enhances the savory depth and keeps the sauce luscious, not overly thick.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the pasta that signature cheesy stretch.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty punch that amplifies all the other flavors.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A scattering on top adds color and a burst of freshness.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Don’t forget to season as you cook—layers of seasoning make all the difference!

How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your penne and cook until it’s al dente—tender but with just the right bite (usually 9-11 minutes). Before draining, save about half a cup of pasta water for later. This starchy water is like gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency, making sure every piece of penne gets luxuriously coated.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Grab your largest skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want it browned and juicy, with those delicious crispy edges. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you love a little spicy surprise). Once done, scoop the beef out and set it aside—you’ll want all those browned bits left in the pan for flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Onion

In that same pan, add a touch more butter if it looks dry. Stir in your minced garlic and chopped onion, letting them sizzle until softened and fragrant, usually 2-3 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye out so the garlic doesn’t burn—its sweet spot is when the kitchen smells heavenly.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, scraping up any bits still stuck to the skillet from sautéing the beef. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Now comes the fun part: sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until both melt into a smooth, dreamy sauce. This is when the magic happens for your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef!

Step 5: Combine the Beef and Pasta

Return the browned ground beef back to the skillet and mix well with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Then add your cooked penne pasta, tossing to ensure every noodle is hugging some of that garlicky goodness. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water—stir until you reach the perfect, glossy consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef onto plates or bowls and finish with a generous shower of fresh parsley. Serve it hot, and get ready for big smiles and clean plates.

How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Garnishes

This dish already shines, but adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a flourish of bright parsley right before serving takes it completely over the top. If you have flaky sea salt or a drizzle of good olive oil, those can add an extra touch of elegance and flavor too.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef with something fresh, like a simple green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables. If you want to lean into indulgence, warm breadsticks or garlic bread are the perfect mop-up crew for that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

This is comfort food, but it can easily pass as dinner party fare! Try serving it in shallow pasta bowls with a flourish of parsley and a few whole basil leaves. For family night, dish it up family-style from a large platter at the table—everyone’s eyes will widen when they see all that cheese and saucy pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Place any extra Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef into an airtight container and refrigerate—it’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, and it reheats beautifully, so don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly.

Freezing

If you want to make it ahead, simply transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container. Label it, date it, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or beef broth to loosen up the sauce, if needed. Stir gently and heat just until steaming hot and creamy again. The microwave works too; just be sure to mix halfway through for even heat.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for scooping up the sauce, feel free to swap in rotini, rigatoni, or even shells for your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. Just keep an eye on pasta cook times.

Can I replace heavy cream with milk or a lighter option?

Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture, but you can use half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. The sauce will be less thick, but still tasty—just use less broth to adjust texture.

How can I make it spicier?

If you’re a spice lover, don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef for another layer of kick!

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Just skip the red pepper flakes and you’ll have a cheesy, savory pasta that most kids adore. It’s a great recipe to get little hands involved, too, like sprinkling cheese or parsley at the end.

Can I make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef ahead for parties?

Yes! This dish is a crowd-pleaser and easy to make in advance. Assemble the pasta and sauce, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently and add a fresh sprinkle of cheese and parsley just before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

I’m thrilled to share this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe with you because it’s truly the kind of dish that brings people together—rich, cheesy, comforting, and easy enough for any night of the week. Give it a try and watch everyone fall in love, one bite at a time!

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