Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

If you’re looking for a meal that brings bold, comforting flavor to the table without a lot of fuss, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is exactly what you need. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor thanks to tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, a garlicky butter sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese. This dish delivers serious comfort food vibes and can be on your table in about 30 minutes.

Perfect for weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prepping ahead of time, it’s a one-skillet wonder the whole family will devour. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. It tastes like something from your favorite diner or Italian-American restaurant—but easier and cheaper to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan, one-pot convenience: You’ll cook the beef in one skillet while the pasta boils—minimal cleanup required.
• Big flavor, simple steps: Garlic butter, seasoned beef, and cheese come together fast with everyday ingredients.
• Customizable comfort food: Make it spicy, creamy, veggie-packed, or even baked—this dish is endlessly flexible.
• Feeds a crowd or makes great leftovers: A generous, cheesy pasta dish that reheats beautifully.
• Kid-friendly, adult-approved: Familiar flavors with just enough boldness to keep everyone happy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta like rigatoni or ziti)
• Salted water for boiling

For the Garlic Butter Ground Beef:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Sauce:

• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for lighter version)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, until fully browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.

3. Add Garlic Butter

Reduce heat to medium. Push the beef to one side of the pan and add butter and minced garlic to the empty side. Let the garlic cook in the melted butter for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Then mix the garlic butter into the ground beef.

4. Make It Saucy

Stir in reserved pasta water and cream. Bring to a simmer. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and combined. Let the sauce thicken slightly for 2–3 minutes.

5. Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheesy garlic butter beef mixture. Cook for another minute or two until everything is hot and well combined.

6. Serve

Spoon into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice It Up: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers during the final mix.
• Use Different Cheese: Try cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique twist.
• Make It Creamier: Add extra cream or even a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese.
• Baked Option: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 400°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

How to Serve

• Garlic Bread: A no-brainer. The buttery sauce pairs perfectly with crusty bread.
• Side Salad: Keep it fresh with a tangy vinaigrette or Caesar-style salad.
• Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, zucchini, or carrots for a balanced plate.
• As a Casserole: This dish can be prepped in advance and baked when ready.

Pro Tips

• Undercook pasta slightly: Since it finishes in the sauce, this helps prevent mushiness.
• Use fresh garlic: For bold, aromatic flavor that shines in the sauce.
• Reserve pasta water: Its starch helps bind the sauce and gives a silky texture.
• Shred cheese yourself: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: The richness of the butter and cheese can be balanced with a little salt and acid (a squeeze of lemon works wonders).

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 680
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 50g
• Fat: 38g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Fiber: 3g

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4–6

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both work great and will lighten the dish. Just be sure to season well since lean meats are milder.

Do I have to use cream?
No—milk works fine, especially if you thicken it slightly with a bit of pasta water or cheese.

Can I add tomato sauce?
Sure! A little marinara or tomato paste can add depth. Just reduce the cheese slightly to balance the sauce.

Can I bake this like a pasta bake?
Yes! Top with extra mozzarella and bake until golden and bubbling for an extra cheesy version.

Will it work with gluten-free pasta?
Yes—just be gentle when mixing and avoid overcooking the pasta.

Conclusion

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is everything comfort food should be—cheesy, rich, filling, and ridiculously flavorful. It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve guests. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or customize it with your favorite add-ins, it’s the kind of dish that brings people to the table fast and leaves no leftovers behind.