Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that effortlessly brings your family to the table, Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is exactly what you need. Picture perfectly al dente penne ribboned through a silky, garlicky cream sauce, studded with hearty ground beef and capped off with ooey-gooey stretches of mozzarella. Each bite bursts with richness and just the right hit of Italian seasoning, making it impossible to stop at just one serving. This is the sort of dish that’s equally at home on a cozy weeknight as it is at a small gathering with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef truly special is the balance of everyday, accessible ingredients that come together for big flavor. Every component brings something important—whether it’s creaminess, depth, a pop of garlic, or that stretch of cheese everyone loves—so don’t skip on these essentials!

• Penne Pasta: Its ridges hold onto all the creamy sauce, making every bite deliciously coated and satisfying.
• Ground Beef: Brings hearty, savory richness that soaks up all the garlic and spice for flavor in every forkful.
• Olive Oil: Gives the garlic and beef a perfect medium in which to brown and deepen in flavor—don’t skimp on a good one.
• Garlic: Four cloves is generous, but worth it; that punch of garlic is signature in this dish.
• Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors at every stage, especially in pasta water and seasoning the beef.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild earthy kick to balance the rich ingredients.
• Italian Seasoning: This mix of herbs is the backbone of the pasta’s classic savory flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a gentle heat, this is a no-brainer. Add more if you love spice, or leave it out for a milder bowl.
• Heavy Cream: This transforms the sauce into a silky dream that clings to every piece of pasta.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the beef flavor and adds a subtle savory depth to the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Melts seamlessly and seasons the sauce with irresistible nutty flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): Adds that signature gooey cheese pull—the visual (and delicious) payoff everyone craves.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle at the end brings freshness and beautiful color.

How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Set a large pot of salted water to boil, then cook your penne until it’s just al dente. Pasta continues to soften in the sauce, so aim for a minute less than the package says—it makes all the difference. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water on the side in case you want to adjust the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a big skillet, heat your olive oil over medium-high. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute or so, until it smells heavenly. This is the moment that signals everyone in the house that something delicious is on the way—don’t let the garlic burn for best flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef straight into the skillet with your garlicky oil. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks; you’re after a nicely browned result. Take a quick moment to drain any excess fat for a less greasy, more luscious finished Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef.

Step 4: Season with Flair

It’s time to stir in your salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. For a little heat, toss in those crushed red pepper flakes. Give it all a good toss so every piece of beef is flavorful and aromatic.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower your heat to medium, then gently pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together—watch as the sauce transforms from ordinary into creamy, savory magic right in front of your eyes.

Step 6: Add the Pasta to the Sauce

Slide your drained penne into the skillet, folding and turning the pasta with a spatula so it’s completely coated in that glossy, garlic-infused sauce. This extra care makes each bite taste like home-cooked comfort.

Step 7: Stir in the Parmesan Cheese

Now comes the creamy, nutty moment: sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan, a little at a time, stirring until melted and the sauce is thick and gorgeous. It should hug each piece of penne with silky, cheesy embrace.

Step 8: The Cheesy Finish

Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella across the skillet and pop on a lid. Let the pasta sit off the heat for a few minutes; when you lift the lid, you’ll find a melty, mouthwatering cheese layer waiting to be swirled through the pasta.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Before you plate up, scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top for vibrant color and a hint of brightness that cuts through the decadence. Your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is ready to shine!

How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Garnishes

For the best finish, shower your dish with freshly chopped parsley and maybe a little more grated Parmesan. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or even a pinch of crushed red pepper adds color and personality to your finished bowl.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a zingy vinaigrette, or a stack of garlicky bread for scooping up every bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus can lighten things up, while a simple tomato salad adds contrast and freshness alongside the cheesy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef family-style in a big, rustic serving dish, or pile individual bowls high and let diners mix the gooey cheese themselves. For a fun twist, try baking it briefly in a casserole dish until the top bubbles and turns golden, or portion it into ramekins for dinner party flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer the cooled Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or a speedy reheat on another busy night.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well, thanks to the cream and cheese. For best results, portion into freezer-safe containers before freezing. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. It makes a great make-ahead meal for future cravings or busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently until warmed through—this keeps the sauce creamy and ensures the cheesy magic of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef shines just as brightly the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape instead of penne?

Absolutely! Any short, hearty pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini will work well for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use a little less cheese, though the sauce may be slightly less rich. Lean ground beef or even ground turkey can be used for a lighter twist without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great as a make-ahead meal. Cook and assemble everything short of the final cheese topping, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add the mozzarella for that classic melty finish.

What seasonings can I add for more flavor?

You’re invited to play! Extra garlic, a dash of smoked paprika, or fresh basil can all add new flavor dimensions to your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. Taste as you go and customize to suit your mood.

How can I make this spicy?

Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. You can also serve with spicy chili oil for diners who want to crank up the heat individually.

Final Thoughts

It’s no wonder Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a weeknight hero and a crowd-pleaser every single time. If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that’s big on flavor and even bigger on cheesy goodness, give this recipe a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!

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