Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

If you are craving something irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich savory flavors, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe is going to become your new favorite comfort food. Imagine tender penne pasta wrapped in a luscious garlic butter sauce, loaded with perfectly seasoned ground beef and topped with an ooey-gooey blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a dish that brings everyone around the table in joyful anticipation, combining simple ingredients into a decadent meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are modest but mighty — each one playing a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish shine. From the hearty ground beef to the creamy cheese, every component is essential for that perfect balance.

• 12 oz penne pasta: The sturdy shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce in every forkful.
• 1 lb ground beef: Adds heartiness and rich meaty flavor that’s the star protein here.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing garlic and ensuring the beef browns beautifully without sticking.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant, aromatic depth that makes the sauce sing.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the richness and seasoning the meat.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and earthiness.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds classic Mediterranean flair.
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
• 2 cups heavy cream: Makes the sauce decadently luscious and smooth.
• 1 cup beef broth: Adds savory depth and helps marry the flavors together.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, salty complexity to the sauce.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible stretchy, melty topping everyone loves.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to finish the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has a perfect bite that won’t get mushy once mixed with the creamy sauce. Drain well and set aside — we want it ready to soak up all those amazing flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the minced garlic. Sauté just until it releases its incredible fragrance and turns golden, about one minute. Garlic is the magical flavor booster here, so let it gently bloom before adding the beef.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef directly to the skillet with the garlic. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks evenly until it’s fully browned and cooked through. This step lays down a rich, savory foundation that will make the whole dish more satisfying.

Step 4: Season the Beef

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle fiery edge. Stir everything thoroughly so the beef is evenly coated with all those wonderful herbs and spices.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Liquids

Turn the heat down to medium to avoid boiling and pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir gently, allowing the liquids to combine and start melding with the seasoned beef. This will form the silky, indulgent sauce that sets this recipe apart.

Step 6: Stir in the Cooked Pasta

Once your sauce is simmering and luscious, add the drained penne pasta right into the skillet. Toss carefully so every noodle is coated in the creamy beef sauce. This is where the flavors blend beautifully, creating a comforting one-skillet wonder.

Step 7: Melt in the Parmesan Cheese

Gradually stir freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, watching it melt and thicken the sauce into an irresistibly creamy texture that clings to each piece of pasta. Parmesan adds a tangy, nutty depth that perfectly balances the richness.

Step 8: Top with Mozzarella and Melt

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it rest for a few minutes off the heat so the mozzarella can slowly melt into a stretchy, gooey layer that invites everyone to dig in.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish your masterpiece with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a bright touch of color and freshness. Now you have a plate of cheesy, garlicky, beefy goodness that’s bursting with flavor and ready to delight.

How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here because it adds a lovely pop of green and a subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the creamy richness. For a little extra flair, you could also add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables for a warm, earthy contrast, or garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. These sides bring balance and texture to complete your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, serve your cheesy penne in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprig of parsley and an extra pinch of Parmesan. For a fun family-style moment, present the skillet directly at the table, letting everyone serve themselves the cheesy magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, but for best texture, freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately if possible. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve the creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to refresh the creamy sauce and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed to keep the pasta al dente.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Definitely. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Also, use lean ground beef or turkey to cut down on fat.

Can I prepare this recipe without garlic?

Garlic adds essential depth to the flavor here, but if you’re not a fan, you can omit it or replace it with a small amount of garlic powder or shallots for a milder flavor.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh Parmesan?

Pre-grated Parmesan works fine, but the fresh stuff melts better and tastes richer. If you don’t have any, Pecorino Romano can be a salty, flavorful substitute, or try a mild white cheddar for a different twist.

Is this recipe freezer friendly?

Yes, the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe freezes well, especially if you store the sauce and pasta separately. Freeze in airtight containers and thaw completely before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and perfectly seasoned ground beef, it’s an absolute joy to make and even more satisfying to eat. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation — your family and friends will be asking for seconds in no time!

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