Irresistible Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Irresistible Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. It’s creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor. The combination of tender penne pasta, juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and garlic butter is a match made in dinnertime heaven. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight meal or something impressive for guests, this dish delivers every time.

One of the best parts? It’s easy to make and uses simple, accessible ingredients. Plus, it can be made in one pan—meaning fewer dishes and faster cleanup. With just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.

Before cooking, be sure to understand safe handling techniques when working with ground beef. According to the USDA’s ground beef safety guidelines, it’s crucial to cook beef to at least 160°F (71°C) to avoid foodborne illness. Proper storage and defrosting are also important for quality and safety.

When selecting your pasta, penne is the ideal shape for holding thick, cheesy sauces. It’s ribbed and tubular, making it perfect for soaking up every drop of creamy garlic butter goodness. Barilla explains the best pasta types for specific sauces, and penne stands out for its versatility and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple – Ready in about 30 minutes
• Rich and creamy texture without being overly heavy
• Family-friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike
• Budget-conscious meal using everyday ingredients
• Easily customizable with protein or veggie swaps

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Choosing the Right Pasta

While penne is a fan favorite, you can substitute other shapes like:

• Rigatoni
• Ziti
• Fusilli
• Shells

Cook pasta to al dente for the best texture—it should be firm but not crunchy. This allows it to hold up when mixed with the creamy sauce.

How to Cook the Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Perfectly browned beef sets the flavor base for this dish. Here’s how to do it right:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

For best results, use beef with a moderate fat content (like 80/20). Drain excess fat if needed, but leave a little for flavor.

Making the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Once the beef is cooked:

• Reduce heat to low.
• Stir in the heavy cream slowly to deglaze the pan.
• Add mozzarella and Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.

Tips for a smooth sauce:

• Don’t overheat the cream; keep it on low to prevent curdling.
• Stir constantly to prevent clumping.
• Use fresh grated cheese for better melting.

Bringing It All Together

Now, combine the sauce and pasta:

• Add the drained penne into the skillet with the cheesy beef mixture.
• Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
• Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Optional: Top with extra cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of flavor and color.

Optional: Make It a Baked Casserole

Want that bubbly, golden top?

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Transfer the skillet contents into a greased baking dish.
• Sprinkle with more mozzarella or Parmesan.
• Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

You can also add a breadcrumb topping for crunch!

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This recipe stores beautifully:

• Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Reheat on stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk.
• Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

Great for meal prep lunches or busy weeknight dinners.

Delicious Variations to Try

Give your cheesy penne a twist with these ideas:

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Veggie-packed: Include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Protein swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Alfredo-style: Swap tomato sauce for more cream and garlic for a white version.

Perfect Pairings

Round out your meal with:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Caesar salad or a crisp green salad
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
• A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, you can use ziti, rigatoni, elbow macaroni, or even fettuccine. Just be sure it holds sauce well.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! Substitute with whole milk, half-and-half, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

Which cheese melts best?
Mozzarella is ideal for stretch and melt, while Parmesan adds saltiness and depth. Use both for best results.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or swap in spicy sausage instead of ground beef.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the creamy texture and mild flavors. Just reduce the garlic or spices if needed.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a large enough skillet or divide it into two pans for even mixing and heating.

Final Thoughts

This Irresistible Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef checks all the boxes—quick, comforting, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a go-to recipe for any home cook looking to impress without stress.

Try it tonight, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request from family and friends!