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 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.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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.
This dish typically serves 4–6 people, depending on portion sizes. For a balanced plate:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
