Is there anything better than a warm, cheesy pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes? If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and ultra-satisfying, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is exactly what you need! It’s packed with flavor from savory beef, fragrant garlic, and a luscious cheese sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
This is the perfect meal for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or when you just need some comforting, cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s easy to customize with ingredients you already have on hand. Let’s dive in!
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish!
✨ Irresistibly Cheesy – A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan makes this pasta ultra-creamy.
✨ Garlic Butter Magic – The combination of garlic, butter, and onion infuses the dish with rich, savory flavors.
✨ Hearty & Satisfying – A balanced meal with protein-packed ground beef and comforting pasta.
✨ Customizable – Easily add veggies or swap out ingredients based on your preferences.
🤤 What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a creamy, cheesy, garlicky sauce. The savory ground beef brings richness, while a hint of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes adds warmth and depth. Every bite is indulgent, with gooey cheese stretching from your fork—pure comfort food heaven!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta & Beef:
- 12 oz penne pasta – Holds onto the sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean or regular; use what you have!
- 3 tablespoons butter – For that rich, garlicky base.
For the Flavor Boost:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives the best flavor!
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds a subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a mild kick!
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce silky and rich.
- ½ cup beef broth – Enhances the meaty flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully into the sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty depth.
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – A pop of freshness.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste – Adjust as needed!
🍳 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
✔ Large skillet or sauté pan
✔ Pot for boiling pasta
✔ Colander for draining pasta
✔ Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
✔ Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheese)
🛠 Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
👉 No heavy cream? Use half-and-half or milk with a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
👉 Want extra veggies? Add mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
👉 Prefer a different protein? Swap ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
👉 Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF pasta.
👉 Extra cheesy? Stir in some cheddar or provolone for a flavor boost.
🔥 How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
3️⃣ Add Garlic & Onion
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until the onion turns soft and fragrant—about 3 minutes.
4️⃣ Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring everything together.
5️⃣ Make the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, mixing well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
6️⃣ Combine Pasta & Cheese
Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan, letting them melt into a smooth, cheesy sauce.
7️⃣ Season & Serve
Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley, serve warm, and enjoy!
🍽 What to Serve with This Cheesy Pasta
This dish is rich and filling on its own, but here are some great pairings:
🥖 Garlic Bread – Because extra garlic butter is always a good idea!
🥗 Crisp Side Salad – A simple arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
🥦 Steamed or Roasted Veggies – Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a nice crunch.
🍷 Wine Pairing – A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti complements the flavors beautifully.
🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Penne
✅ Use freshly grated cheese! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
✅ Don’t overcook the pasta. Aim for al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
✅ Let the sauce thicken. Simmering for a couple of minutes helps it coat the pasta better.
✅ Want a crispy topping? Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 2 minutes!
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
How can I make this healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, leaner ground beef, and swap heavy cream for a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt or evaporated milk.
Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes, or stir in a little hot sauce for an extra kick.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a cozy date night, or just treating yourself, this dish never disappoints!
📸 Tried this recipe? Share your creations on Pinterest or Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your cheesy masterpieces!
🍽 Craving more? Try these other pasta favorites:
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- One-Pot Beef Stroganoff
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo
Let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite cheesy pasta dish? 😍
