Name: Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup beef broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight comfort food that’s quick to make, outrageously cheesy, and loaded with savory flavor, look no further: Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is going to make you everyone’s favorite dinner hero. Picture bite-sized pasta smothered in a creamy, garlicky sauce with seasoned ground beef and two kinds of melty cheese, all finished with a fresh parsley sprinkle. This dish brings together so many heartwarming elements in just one skillet, and I promise, every bite is like a big hug after a long day.

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef plays an important role—not just for taste, but for texture and irresistible cheesiness! You’ll find nothing fussy here, just a handful of kitchen staples that come together to deliver full-on flavor and delicious comfort.

Penne pasta: The ridged, tube shape is perfect for clutching onto that rich, cheesy sauce in every bite.
Ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty flavor and soaks up all the garlic butter goodness as it cooks.
Olive oil: Gives the ground beef and garlic a luscious base to sizzle and bloom in.
Garlic: Freshly minced cloves are essential for that bold, aromatic kick that defines this dish.
Salt: Seasoning each layer ensures balanced, mouthwatering flavor throughout.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that partners perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Italian seasoning: Infuses the sauce and beef with classic Tuscan-inspired herb notes.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat to contrast all that creaminess.
Heavy cream: The secret to a gloriously rich, silky sauce.
Beef broth: Enhances the beefy intensity while keeping the sauce luscious and balanced.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and the key to thickening and flavoring the creamy sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the dish for ultimate gooey, stretchy goodness.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and color right before serving!

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. Cook your penne pasta just until al dente so there’s still a little bite—remember, it’ll soak up more sauce later. Once it’s ready, drain and set it aside while you whip up the rest of the magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Olive Oil

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute. This is where those irresistible, mouthwatering aromas start filling your kitchen (neighbors may start appearing with hopeful expressions)!

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef directly to your fragrant garlic oil. Break it up with a spatula into crumbles and cook until it’s beautifully browned. If there’s a lot of extra fat, carefully drain it off—you want just enough left for flavor.

Step 4: Season the Beef

Time to bump up the flavor! Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little zip). Stir everything together so the beef gets coated in those herby, savory spices.

Step 5: Pour in the Beef Broth and Heavy Cream

Lower your heat to medium, then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir well and let everything mingle and reduce a bit while the sauce starts to come together—it should already smell deliciously inviting!

Step 6: Add the Penne to the Sauce

Gently tip your cooked, drained penne pasta into the skillet. Give things a good stir to make sure every piece is glossy and coated in that silky sauce. This is where Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef starts to transform into a full-on crave-worthy meal.

Step 7: Stir in the Parmesan Cheese

Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, stirring as you go. The cheese will melt into the sauce, helping it thicken and turn creamy with a rich, savory edge. You’ll see everything coming together in the skillet—creamy, cheesy heaven!

Step 8: Top with Mozzarella and Melt

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit just a few minutes, so the mozzarella can melt into glorious pools of stretchy, gooey goodness. That’s the finishing touch that makes Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Garnishes

For that final flourish, I love a generous dusting of fresh parsley right before serving. It adds brightness and a pop of color, and if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra parmesan or cracked black pepper never hurts. Simple touches like this turn a hearty skillet dish into a restaurant-worthy plate.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette makes the richness pop even more. Classic garlic bread or a buttery baguette for extra sauce-soaking action is always a win at my table. Don’t forget your favorite roasted veggies for a balanced dinner!

Creative Ways to Present

This dish makes a gorgeous centerpiece in a big skillet, but you can also portion it into individual mini casseroles for dinner parties. Or scoop it into ovenproof dishes, top with an extra layer of mozzarella, and broil until bubbly for a golden, cheesy crust. However you serve it, Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef never fails to get oohs and aahs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—you’ll thank yourself for having a warming, craveable lunch ready to go!

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for a rainy day, this dish is freezer-friendly. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that creamy, cheesy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop servings in the microwave or a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently until everything is heated through and melty again—good as new!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne holds up so well to the cheesy sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, rotini, ziti, or even macaroni for a fun twist. The key is picking a shape that grabs onto the creamy goodness.

What ground beef is best?

Lean ground beef (such as 90/10 or 85/15) works wonderfully for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, as there’s enough fat for flavor without extra greasiness. Just drain any excess fat before making the sauce for best results.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Definitely! Just add more crushed red pepper flakes, or consider tossing in a pinch of cayenne with the seasonings for extra heat. The creamy, cheesy sauce balances spice beautifully.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

You sure can. Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, use reduced-fat cheese, or swap in ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. The dish will still have that irresistible flavor and comfort appeal.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Yes! Stir in baby spinach, chopped bell peppers, or even steamed broccoli when adding the pasta to the sauce for a boost of color, nutrition, and texture. It’s easy to customize Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef to your family’s favorites.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about bringing a bubbling skillet of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef to the table—it just makes everyone smile. If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed dish that’s simple enough for busy nights but worthy of a celebration, add this recipe to your regular rotation. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised when your family starts requesting it again and again!

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe. A delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender penne pasta with savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering.

Instructions

Cook the Penne Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water, then drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Brown Beef: In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add and brown ground beef.
Season and Add Cream: Season beef with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix drained pasta into the sauce until coated.
Melt Cheeses: Stir in Parmesan until creamy, then top with mozzarella. Cover and melt cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian