Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef: Easy Family Dinner

If comfort food had a fan club, Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef would be the president. It’s creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and downright soul-soothing—the kind of dinner that makes even picky eaters sit down and say, “Okay, fine, I’ll have seconds.” With the perfect balance of juicy ground beef, melty cheese, and al dente pasta, this dish is weeknight-friendly and weekend-worthy all at once. The garlic butter makes it rich, while the gooey mozzarella seals the deal. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself after a long day, this cheesy penne pasta is like a hug in a bowl.

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What is Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef?

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a creamy pasta dish that marries tender penne with seasoned ground beef, garlic butter, and a luscious blend of cheeses. Think of it as a cross between a baked pasta casserole and a stovetop skillet dinner—hearty enough to satisfy but easy enough for a beginner cook. With simple pantry staples like pasta, broth, cream, and cheese, it’s the type of meal that comes together without a big fuss but tastes like you put in way more effort. Bonus: it’s family-friendly and reheats beautifully.

Reasons to Try Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

There are plenty of pasta recipes out there, but cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef has a few tricks up its sleeve. First, it’s a one-skillet wonder (less cleanup = happy cook). Second, it checks all the flavor boxes: garlicky, cheesy, savory, and just a little spicy if you toss in red pepper flakes. Third, it’s adaptable—you can sneak in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers and no one will complain. Finally, it’s pure comfort food. On days when life feels a little too busy or stressful, a bowl of this pasta feels like pressing pause on the chaos.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Before diving into the skillet, let’s talk about what you’ll need for this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef masterpiece. The best part? These are all easy-to-find, budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Each one plays an important role in creating that creamy, cheesy, garlic-infused goodness we’re all here for.

• Penne Pasta (12 oz): This pasta shape is perfect because the ridges hold onto every bit of the sauce. You could swap with rigatoni or ziti, but penne gives the best bite.
• Ground Beef (1 lb): Lean ground beef works beautifully here—it brings a rich, savory flavor that balances the creaminess of the sauce. You can also try ground turkey if you want a lighter option (see my ground turkey and peppers stir fry for another idea).
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing the garlic and beef. It adds depth and a subtle fruitiness that butter alone can’t provide.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star of the garlic butter sauce. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here—it infuses the entire dish with irresistible flavor.
• Salt (1 teaspoon) & Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): The seasoning basics that enhance every layer of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tablespoon): This blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary makes the sauce taste like it simmered for hours.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick if you love a little heat. Totally optional, but highly recommended if your crew enjoys spice.
• Beef Broth (1 cup): Gives the sauce a hearty backbone while tying the ground beef and cream together.
• Heavy Cream (2 cups): The secret to that velvety, restaurant-style cream sauce. Rich and indulgent, but worth every bite.
• Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Adds nuttiness and helps thicken the sauce into cheesy perfection. Skip the pre-grated stuff if you can—it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): The gooey, stretchy topping that seals everything together. It melts into that irresistible blanket of comfort.
• Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): A sprinkle on top not only makes the dish pretty but also adds a fresh, herby finish that balances all the richness.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll transform an ordinary weeknight into something that feels indulgent but still totally doable. That’s the beauty of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef—it’s elevated comfort food without the stress.

Instructions to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Cooking Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef doesn’t have to feel intimidating—it’s all about simple steps that build flavor as you go. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this creamy, cheesy, comforting pasta dish at home.

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt (this is your chance to flavor the pasta itself), and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until just al dente—slightly firm to the bite. Don’t overcook it, since it’ll continue cooking in the creamy sauce later. Drain well, drizzle with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Pro Tip: If you’re a pasta lover, you might also enjoy my creamy beef goulash—it’s another cozy dish that uses pasta in the best way possible.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Olive Oil

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—burnt garlic tastes bitter, and we want that sweet, buttery aroma that sets the foundation for our sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef directly into the skillet with the garlic. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, letting it cook evenly. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and no pink remains. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the sauce rich without being greasy.

Step 4: Season the Meat

Once browned, season the beef generously with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like some heat. Stir well so every bite of beef is full of flavor. This seasoning step transforms simple ground beef into a flavor-packed base for your cheesy penne.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the beef broth, stirring to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan (they add tons of flavor). Next, add the heavy cream, stirring slowly to combine everything into a rich, velvety sauce. This is where Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef begins to come alive—creamy, garlicky, and savory all at once.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add your drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece of pasta in that creamy garlic butter beef sauce. Let the pasta simmer for 2–3 minutes, soaking up all those flavors.

Step 7: Melt in the Parmesan

Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It will melt into the sauce, thickening it into a luscious, cheesy coating that hugs every bite of pasta. Stir continuously to avoid clumps—smooth and creamy is the goal.

Step 8: Blanket with Mozzarella

Once the sauce is creamy, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes. The mozzarella will melt into a gooey, stretchy layer that turns this dish into the ultimate comfort food.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove the lid, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve hot. The bright parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. Dish it up straight from the skillet to keep it casual and cozy.

What to Serve with Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

This dish is rich and filling, but a little balance never hurt anyone. Pair it with a crisp green salad to cut through the creaminess, or add garlic bread if you’re on team “more carbs, please.” Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts are great veggie sides, too. And if you’re into cozy comfort meals, you’ll also love serving it alongside a bowl of creamy tortellini soup for the ultimate Italian-inspired dinner spread.

Key Tips for Making Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

1. Don’t overcook the pasta. It will finish cooking in the sauce.
2. Use fresh Parmesan. It melts smoother and gives better flavor than the pre-shredded stuff.
3. Balance the richness. Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to sneak in veggies.
4. Let the mozzarella melt gently. Covering the skillet helps it get gooey without drying out.
5. Make it your own. Swap beef for ground turkey or sausage for a fun twist (try my ground turkey and peppers stir fry for another idea).

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce—creamy pasta can thicken in the fridge. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, or warm gently on the stovetop. If you’d like to re-crisp the cheese topping, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Pro tip: this pasta is even better the next day when the flavors have had time to mingle.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it fully, then store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or stovetop with extra milk or broth.

Can I freeze it?
You can, but cream-based sauces sometimes separate. Freeze in portions and reheat with added cream or milk.

Can I swap the cheeses?
Absolutely. Fontina, provolone, or cheddar work great.

Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes, replace beef with mushrooms or a plant-based protein.

What if I want it spicier?
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes—or even a splash of hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

If your weeknights feel like a juggling act, Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef swoops in as the hero dinner you didn’t know you needed. It’s quick, hearty, and hits all the cozy notes we crave when life gets hectic. Plus, it’s flexible enough to work with what you’ve got in your fridge. So next time you want a dish that’s both comforting and ridiculously tasty, give this cheesy pasta a spot on your table.

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