This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender penne pasta with savory ground beef in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of heavy cream and melted mozzarella creates a luscious sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
Savory Ground Beef: The garlic butter ground beef adds a rich, meaty flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add vegetables to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

For the Garlic Butter Ground Beef:

1 lb ground beef
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If using, add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Onion: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the Cheeses: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, continuing to stir until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
Combine the Beef and Pasta: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stirring to combine with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef to serving dishes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some extra heat.
Extra Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.
Cheese Swap: Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

To prevent curdling, use full-fat heavy cream and avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cream.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I freeze leftovers?

While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce to increase the heat.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

What can I serve with this dish?

Garlic bread and a fresh green salad are excellent accompaniments to this pasta dish.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce.

How do I know when the pasta is done?

Taste a piece of pasta a minute or two before the package’s suggested cooking time. It should be al dente—firm to the bite but not hard.

Conclusion

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its creamy sauce, savory beef, and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Customize it to your liking with different cheeses, spices, or vegetables to make it your own.