Easy Cheesy Penne With Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef becomes an irresistible culinary adventure for home cooks.

Savory aromas will start dancing through your kitchen as you combine simple ingredients.

Every forkful promises rich, comforting flavors that feel like a warm embrace.

Tender pasta coated in melted cheese creates a hearty meal everyone craves.

Ground beef adds robust protein that makes this dish seriously satisfying.

Minimal preparation means maximum enjoyment, perfect for weeknight dinners when time feels short.

You’ll fall in love with this easy, delectable recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Penne and Beef

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides a delightful texture to the dish.

• Ground Beef: The main protein that adds rich, meaty flavor and substance to the recipe.

• Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for cooking and adds depth of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty taste that enhances the overall creaminess of the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a melty, stretchy topping that adds extra cheesy goodness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce with a velvety texture.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the beef and cheese.
• Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings traditional Italian flavor to the recipe.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a subtle heat and spiciness (optional).
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh, bright touch and adds a pop of color to the final presentation.

Steps to Build This Cheesy Pasta Bowl

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook penne pasta in a pot of salted water following package directions until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, ready for the delicious magic to happen.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet and melt butter. Toss in ground beef, breaking it into crumbly pieces.

Cook until the meat transforms into a golden-brown delight, releasing its rich flavors.

Step 3: Infuse with Aromatic Goodness

Move the beef to one side of the skillet.

• Minced garlic
• Chopped onions

• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Create the Dreamy Sauce

Pour in beef broth and heavy cream.

Stir until the mixture becomes wonderfully thick and creamy. Blend in Parmesan cheese, watching it melt into silky perfection.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Beef

Introduce the cooked penne to the skillet. Toss everything together so each pasta piece gets coated in the luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese Blanket

Scatter mozzarella cheese across the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese transform into a gooey, melted masterpiece.

Step 7: Garnish and Dive In

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish. Serve piping hot and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Smart Tips for Flavorful Penne Success

• Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent watery sauce and ensure maximum flavor absorption.
• Use fresh garlic for more intense, aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced versions.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, lighter dish.
• Select high-quality Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses for richer, more complex taste profile.
• Allow the sauce to simmer gently to develop deeper flavors and achieve perfect creamy consistency.

Switch Things Up with Cheesy Pasta Styles

• Vegetarian Penne Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Spicy Mexican Fusion: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese, and add diced jalapeños to create a zesty southwestern-style pasta dish.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute penne with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy, cheesy sauce intact.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings and broths are certified gluten-free, making this recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

What Sides Match Garlic Butter Ground Beef

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the garlic butter ground beef and creamy cheese sauce.
• Refresh with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the cheesy penne, cutting through the richness with bright, tangy notes.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of garlicky goodness that echoes the dish's flavor profile.

How to Store Garlic Penne for Later Meals

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.

Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Pasta can be frozen for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.

Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth or cream to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Pour pasta into a skillet, add a few tablespoons of broth or cream. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated through and creamy. This method helps restore the original texture and prevents overcooking.

FAQs

• What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne is ideal, but you can also use other short pasta like rigatoni or ziti that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe with the same cooking method.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from optional red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them to control the spice level according to your preference.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add some vegetables like spinach, diced bell peppers, or zucchini during the beef cooking stage to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the dish.

Why Cheesy Garlic Penne Is So Satisfying

• Savor Speedy Satisfaction: This cheesy penne dish delivers a delicious meal with minimal cooking steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty fast.
• Customize Your Comfort: Ground beef and pasta provide a flexible base that welcomes personalization with different spice levels, cheese variations, or extra vegetable additions.
• Create One-Pan Magic: The entire recipe comes together in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making cooking smoother with less kitchen mess to tackle afterward.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Packed with rich flavors from garlic butter, seasoned beef, and melted cheeses, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making family dinner a breeze.

Cheesy Penne With Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef brings comfort straight from Italian-American kitchens to your dinner table. Rich pasta layers meld perfectly with seasoned beef, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook penne pasta until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Melt butter and introduce ground beef, breaking into small crumbles. Cook until deep brown and completely rendered, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Create flavor base by pushing beef to one side of skillet. Add remaining butter, then incorporate minced garlic and diced onions. Saute until aromatic and translucent, releasing robust fragrance.
4. Season the mixture with Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Distribute spices evenly throughout the meat and aromatics.
5. Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Allow liquid to simmer and reduce, creating a rich, velvety sauce. Stir consistently to prevent scorching.
6. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until sauce becomes smooth and integrated. The cheese will naturally thicken the mixture.
7. Fold cooked penne into the sauce, ensuring each pasta piece gets thoroughly coated with the luxurious garlic butter beef mixture.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top. Cover skillet and let cheese melt completely for 2-3 minutes over low heat.
9. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Swap lean ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version that still delivers incredible flavor.
• Control the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes or omitting them completely for a milder dish perfect for kids and sensitive palates.
• Use gluten-free penne for a celiac-friendly meal without compromising the creamy, cheesy texture and rich taste of the original recipe.
• Prep ingredients beforehand and store in separate containers to create a quick weeknight meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 730 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg