Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food dish that brings together rich, savory flavors in a quick and satisfying meal. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, perfectly balanced by the deep, garlicky goodness of seasoned ground beef sautéed in butter.
This easy weeknight dinner is both hearty and family-friendly, ideal for busy days when you want something warm and delicious without a lot of fuss.
With simple ingredients and bold flavor, it’s a dish that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation, pleasing both kids and adults alike.
CHEESY PENNE WITH GARLIC BUTTER GROUND BEEF
Description
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that brings together tender penne, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce.
The beef is browned and infused with garlic, then simmered in a creamy cheese blend that coats every bite.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Topped with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan, it’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to be a family favorite.
Whether you're cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish balances indulgence and ease beautifully.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté diced onion until soft (about 3–4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
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Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
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Return the cooked beef and pasta to the skillet. Stir until the penne is coated and everything is well combined. Cook for 2–3 more minutes to heat through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 750kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 40g62%
- Saturated Fat 18g90%
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 35g70%
- Calcium 250 mg
- Iron 4 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef – Tips, Tricks & Servings
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is one of those cozy, weeknight dinners that never misses. It’s hearty, creamy, full of flavor, and super simple to make. Here’s how to take this dish to the next level, plus how to make it stretch or satisfy any appetite.
Servings & Basic Portioning
This dish typically serves 4–6 people, depending on portion sizes. For a balanced plate:
- 1 cup cooked penne per person
- ¼ to ⅓ cup cooked ground beef per serving
- Add ½ cup sauce and cheese combo for that rich, gooey texture
Want to bulk it up a little more? Toss in a side salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal, especially if you're feeding 6 hungry mouths.
Tips & Tricks to Elevate the Dish
1. Use Lean Ground Beef (80/20 or 85/15)
This gives you flavor without too much grease. Drain any excess fat after browning to avoid a greasy sauce. Or swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
2. Garlic Butter = Big Flavor
Don’t just sauté the garlic in butter—let the garlic simmer for a minute in the butter on low heat before adding the beef. This infuses the butter with flavor and gives the whole dish a deeper, richer taste.
3. Season in Layers
Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while browning the beef, not just at the end. You can even toss in a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat.
4. Pasta Water Magic
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining your penne. Adding a splash into your sauce helps everything cling to the pasta better, and gives it that silky texture.
5. Cheese Blends are Gold
Instead of just cheddar or mozzarella, use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. The cheddar gives sharpness, mozzarella melts beautifully, and parmesan adds that salty, umami kick.
6. Bake for a Twist
After mixing the beef, sauce, and penne together, you can transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake for 10–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until golden and bubbly.
7. Add Veggies Without Complaints
Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or even finely diced zucchini can be added with the garlic or while browning the beef. They blend right in and boost nutrition without altering flavor too much.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
This dish is meal prep–friendly and stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Final Trick: Let It Rest
After cooking, let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and thickens the sauce just right.
With just a few tweaks and smart techniques, this simple comfort dish becomes a crave-worthy family favorite. Let the cheesy, garlicky goodness work its magic—every single time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?
For the best flavor and texture, use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). This blend gives a juicy, flavorful result without being overly greasy.
If you prefer a leaner option, 85/15 or 90/10 will work—just consider adding a bit more butter or oil to balance the richness.
Can I substitute the penne pasta with another type?
Absolutely! While penne holds sauce well with its tube shape, you can easily use rotini, rigatoni, shells, or fusilli—any pasta that has ridges or curves to trap the cheesy garlic butter sauce.
For a lower-carb option, try chickpea pasta or even zucchini noodles.
How can I make this dish more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional value, add in vegetables like spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes during the cooking process.
You can also substitute part of the pasta with whole wheat or high-protein pasta, and top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor without added calories.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, and heat over medium until warmed through.
You can also microwave it in 30–45 second intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
