Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re craving a seriously satisfying comfort meal, you simply have to try Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. This dish brings together robust, aromatic garlic, deeply savory beef, and irresistibly creamy, cheesy sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Each bite is luxurious yet familiar, making it a weeknight hero or an impressive dish for friends. Whether you’re feeding a group or just yourself, this is the kind of meal you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely love about this recipe is how such simple, everyday ingredients can create something that’s outrageously delicious and flavorsome. Every component plays an important role, from the boldness of ground beef to the creaminess of cheese, pulling together a dish that’s as inviting to look at as it is to eat.

• 12 oz penne pasta: These tubular noodles soak up every bit of the luscious sauce, making each forkful creamy and flavorful.
• 1 lb ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef or your preferred fat percentage—the beef brings rich flavor and heartiness to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps the garlic release its aroma and adds a subtle, fruity base note to the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, aromatic flavor that elevates the whole meal.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Not just for seasoning—salt helps emphasize all the savory notes in the sauce.
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: This classic blend of herbs makes everything taste like it’s from your favorite trattoria.
• 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Toss these in if you like a subtle kick; totally adjustable to your heat preference.
• 2 cups heavy cream: For that unforgettable rich, velvety texture that makes the sauce utterly indulgent.
• 1 cup beef broth: Deepens the meaty flavor and keeps the sauce from being too thick or cloying.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Always grate it yourself for the best melt and flavor—don’t skip this step if you can!
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: This is your gooey, stretchy cheese layer that everyone always looks forward to.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and color to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Step 1: Boil the Penne

Start by cooking your penne pasta in a big pot of well-salted, boiling water. Make sure it’s just al dente—you want it with a little bite. Drain it well and set aside. This quick step ensures your pasta can soak up all that delicious sauce later without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and let it heat up. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn; you want it golden and aromatic for the perfect garlic butter foundation.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, crumble in your ground beef and let it brown, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s caramelized and fully cooked through, drain any excess fat if needed. This step builds the base of savory, meaty flavor for the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef.

Step 4: Season the Beef

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir everything to coat the meat evenly, letting the spices meld with the garlicky beef for a flavor-packed filling.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Lower your heat to medium and carefully pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture, letting all those flavors come together and the liquid start to bubble gently. This will be the creamy base that envelops the pasta.

Step 6: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Gently add your drained penne to the skillet, stirring so that every piece gets coated in that delicious sauce. There’s something magical about seeing the noodles get glossy and rich as they pull in all that flavor.

Step 7: Add Cheese

Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese while stirring, letting it melt into the sauce and thicken it up to a dreamy consistency. This step gives the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef its trademark luxurious texture.

Step 8: Finish with Mozzarella

To top things off, scatter the shredded mozzarella over everything, then pop a lid on the skillet for a few minutes. The cheese will melt into a gloriously gooey blanket, sealing in all the savory goodness underneath.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish everything off with a generous hit of fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Serve your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef piping hot straight from the skillet.

How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Garnishes

Top your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef with even more chopped parsley, freshly cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. If you want a little zing, a few chili flakes are fun. A drizzle of good quality olive oil can also add a luxurious finish.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich pasta with something bright and fresh—think a simply dressed green salad or some garlicky steamed broccoli. A basket of warm, crusty bread is also a must for mopping up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables add color and contrast to the plate for a more rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef family-style in a big skillet right at the table for cozy, shareable vibes. If you want to get a little fancy, portion it out into individual gratin dishes, pop them under the broiler for a bubbly golden top, and wow your guests with a restaurant-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it ideal for easy, crave-worthy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Scoop individual portions into freezer-safe containers, let them cool completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cover tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve that creamy, cheesy texture.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave or larger amounts in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Stir gently and heat until everything is bubbly and hot, and the cheese is melty again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works perfectly for trapping all that cheesy sauce, you can easily swap it for rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini. Just cook your chosen pasta al dente for the best results.

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Yes! You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, use reduced-fat cheeses, or even try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. The result will be a bit less rich but still super satisfying.

How spicy is Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef?

The spice level is totally customizable. Adding crushed red pepper flakes gives a gentle warmth, but you can leave them out (or add extra!) depending on your preference. It’s easy to tailor the dish to your spice tolerance.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your beef broth and other seasonings are gluten-free. The cheesy, creamy result will be just as irresistible.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

For moist, saucy leftovers, add a splash of milk or beef broth to the pasta as you reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir halfway through to distribute the heat and moisture evenly throughout the dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the next classic to add to your dinner repertoire, Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the one. It’s hearty, creamy, full of flavor, and guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face—yourself included. Give it a spot at your table and get ready for lots of happy, satisfied eaters!

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