Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting, satisfying pasta dish loaded with flavor. Tender penne pasta is coated in a rich, cheesy sauce and combined with savory ground beef cooked in garlic butter. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, and delivers a creamy, hearty bite in every forkful.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
penne pastaground beefgarlic clovesunsalted butteronioncheddar cheese (shredded)mozzarella cheese (shredded)parmesan cheese (grated)heavy creammilkolive oilsaltpepperItalian seasoningred pepper flakes (optional for heat)parsley (for garnish)
directions
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream and milk. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Gradually add cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Toss in the cooked penne pasta, stirring well to coat evenly with the cheese sauce.
Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired and garnish with chopped parsley.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra vegetables.
Use a mix of your favorite cheeses for a custom flavor.
Top with breadcrumbs and broil for a crispy finish.
Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or more red pepper flakes.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni or ziti will work well.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, prepare the dish and reheat before serving. Add a bit of milk to loosen the sauce.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully. Parmesan adds depth and flavor.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but cheese sauces may separate slightly when reheated. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.
Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s cheesy, comforting, and mild in flavor—perfect for kids.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas make great additions.
How do I keep the sauce creamy?
Reheat gently and add a bit of milk or cream to keep it smooth.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger pan.
What wine pairs well?
A medium-bodied red like Merlot or a creamy Chardonnay pairs nicely.
Conclusion
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a flavorful, easy-to-make pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich cheese sauce and hearty beef, it delivers pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping, this dish is a surefire hit.
Print
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A comforting, family‑friendly pasta dish combining penne with savory garlic‑butter beef and melted cheese for a rich, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook penne according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and no pink remains; drain excess fat if needed.
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add cooked penne to skillet, tossing gently to coat evenly in cheese sauce.
- Simmer for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute half‑and‑half for heavy cream to reduce richness.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Mix in cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Use mozzarella instead of cheddar for a milder, stretchy cheese texture.