Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
If you’re craving the ultimate feel-good comfort food, Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the kind of dish that checks all the right boxes. Imagine tender penne pasta bathed in a velvety, cheesy sauce, studded with savory ground beef cooked in fragrant garlic butter—each bite is a harmony of creamy, gooey, and savory. It’s quick to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to win hearts around your table, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef may taste like pure decadence, but the ingredients list is refreshingly straightforward. Each component brings something special—aroma, depth, color, or (of course) loads of flavor—while keeping prep a total breeze.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Classic tubular pasta holds onto every bit of cheesy goodness for unbeatable texture in every bite.
- 1 lb ground beef: Juicy, rich, and filling—this is the heart of the dish, turning your pasta into a full meal.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sauté the garlic and give the beef a golden, flavorful sear.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings zesty, aromatic depth and that irresistible garlic butter flair.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out those bold, hearty flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a warm, subtle kick that balances the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant blend of herbs to round out the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect if you want a hint of heat to cut through the richness.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The magic ingredient for the luscious, silky sauce.
- 1 cup beef broth: Deepens the meatiness and ensures the sauce is full of robust flavor.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For a sharp, nutty tang that melds perfectly with the sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a stretchy, gooey blanket over the pasta.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby note for the finish.
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the penne. Cook according to the package instructions until just al dente, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Once it’s perfectly tender, drain it well and set aside—you’ll want it ready to soak up all that cheesy goodness later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil
While the pasta simmers, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. You’re looking for that beautiful fragrance to bloom without letting the garlic brown too much.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef straight into the skillet with your golden garlic. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s deeply browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off to keep the final result rich yet not greasy.
Step 4: Season the Beef
Now comes the fun—season your beef generously with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together so every bite is bursting with savory, herby flavor.
Step 5: Add Cream and Broth
Lower the heat to medium and pour in your beef broth and heavy cream. Stir until the liquids and beef are well combined, creating the saucy foundation that will bind every component of your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef.
Step 6: Toss in the Pasta
Add the drained penne pasta directly into the creamy beef mixture. Give it all a thorough stir so each piece of penne is slicked with the decadent sauce.
Step 7: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture, stirring as it melts right into the sauce. The result will be a thicker, glossier sauce with a wonderful cheesy edge that clings to every bite.
Step 8: Add Mozzarella and Melt
Scatter the shredded mozzarella generously over the top, then pop a lid on the skillet. Let it sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese is ooey, gooey, and perfectly melted—resist the urge to peek too soon.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, shower the whole dish with chopped fresh parsley. Not only does it add a splash of color, but it brings a gentle freshness that balances the richness of the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef.
How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Garnishes
Top your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef with a shower of freshly chopped parsley, extra cracked black pepper, or even an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan for drama. A drizzle of quality olive oil or some thinly-sliced scallions work wonders for extra pop and aroma.
Side Dishes
Balance the cozy richness of this pasta with sides like a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted broccoli. Warm, crusty bread for mopping up the sauce will never be turned down, and a simple tomato salad on the side brings brightness to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this classic by serving Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef in mini cast iron skillets for individual portions, or bake it off under the broiler for a golden, bubbly top. For a gathering, spoon it into a big family-style platter at the center of the table, and let everyone dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to let the pasta cool completely before storing to prevent any unwanted sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to two months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, let it cool completely, and seal tightly. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rewarming so the cheesy sauce stays creamy and the flavor remains vibrant.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat your pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce as it warms. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring often to prevent any hot spots or cheese clumps.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding onto the sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells work beautifully in this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe.
Is ground turkey a good substitute for beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be swapped in for a lighter touch while still offering lots of flavor—just consider adding an extra dash of seasoning to make up for the lost richness.
How spicy will this be with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than serious heat. If you love things spicy, feel free to add a bit more—otherwise you can skip it for a milder version.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free penne or pasta shape and double-check the other ingredients. The creamy sauce works with any pasta base you prefer.
What’s the best way to melt the mozzarella evenly?
Covering the skillet after adding the mozzarella lets it melt smoothly into a stretchy, gooey layer. If you want a bubbly golden topping, place the pasta under a broiler for a couple of minutes, keeping a close eye on it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a big bowl of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef—it’s cozy, fulfilling, and just a little bit indulgent. If you’re ready to brighten up a weeknight or impress friends with minimal fuss, this recipe is yours to savor. Whip it up soon and enjoy every comforting forkful!
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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe. A rich and creamy pasta dish loaded with savory ground beef, two types of cheese, and aromatic garlic butter. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 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)
Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Penne: Prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Ground Beef: In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Make the Sauce: Lower heat, pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Add cooked penne pasta and stir to coat. Mix in Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella on top, cover, and let it melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a gooey cheese pull, serve immediately after melting the mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 760 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 54g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Cheesy Penne, Garlic Butter Ground Beef, Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food
