Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Imagine tender penne pasta coated in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, loaded with juicy seasoned beef and two types of melty cheese. This one-pan wonder is indulgent, soul-warming, and comes together in under an hour—perfect for cozy family dinners or satisfying weeknight cravings. If you love hearty, cheesy pasta dishes, this recipe will hit the spot every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra comforting: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor-packed ground beef.
- One-skillet magic: Less cleanup, more enjoyment.
- Easy to make: Simple pantry ingredients and step-by-step ease.
- Great for leftovers: Just as delicious the next day.
- Family favorite: Kid-approved and customizable with spice or veggie add-ins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz penne pasta – Holds sauce beautifully; rigatoni or ziti work too.
- 1 lb ground beef – Adds savory depth; use lean beef to reduce excess grease.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing garlic and beef; butter can be substituted for more richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Adds bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp black pepper – Basic seasoning for balance.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning – Brings a herby depth to the beef.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a gentle kick of heat.
- 2 cups heavy cream – Makes the sauce rich and velvety.
- 1 cup beef broth – Adds savory umami to the sauce base.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan – Salty, nutty, and essential for creamy texture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella – For that gooey, cheesy finish.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – Brightens the final dish with color and freshness.
How to Make It
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Garlic Butter Beef
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned and no longer pink—about 6–8 minutes. Break it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to coat the beef.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium.
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add Pasta and Cheese
- Add the drained penne into the skillet and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then cover with a lid for 2–3 minutes until melted.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness!
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese can affect the sauce texture.
- Add spinach or mushrooms: Stir in at the end for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Want a crisp top? Transfer to an oven-safe skillet and broil the mozzarella for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Make it spicy: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, sausage, or even diced chicken.
- Dairy-free: Use a plant-based cream alternative and vegan cheese.
- Gluten-free: Sub in your favorite gluten-free penne pasta.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up that creamy sauce.
- Simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter side.
- Wine pairing: Try a medium-bodied red like Merlot or a creamy Chardonnay.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- To store: Let cool and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- To freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth, or microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring between each.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli works great in this dish.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. Ground turkey also makes a leaner protein swap.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and assemble everything except the mozzarella topping. Reheat and add cheese before serving for best results.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes. After step 7, transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting grainy?
Use low heat when adding cheese, and always use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother melt.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you’re making dinner for the family or meal-prepping your comfort food fix, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef delivers big flavor and hearty satisfaction. It’s cheesy, garlicky, and deeply savory—the kind of pasta dish that disappears fast and has everyone asking for seconds.