Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Some days just call for a dish that is both comforting and satisfying, and Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is exactly that. This indulgent meal combines a creamy, cheesy sauce, tender penne pasta, and savory garlic butter ground beef to create a dish that will quickly become a go-to for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you crave something rich and delicious. It’s quick to make yet packed with flavors that will leave everyone coming back for more.

I first stumbled upon this recipe one night when I had some leftover ground beef and was craving something cheesy. The outcome was a mouthwatering combination of flavors that my family absolutely loved. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it comes together quickly and delivers a comforting meal in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 9-11 minutes) or until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Onion

• In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

• Add the heavy cream and beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and continue stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine the Beef and Pasta

• Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Transfer the cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef to serving dishes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Variation:

Feel free to customize this dish to fit different tastes or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, such as lentils or mushrooms, for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
• Spicy Option: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce to add some heat. You could also use spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef for a spicier kick.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition. Add them along with the garlic and onion in Step 3 and sauté until tender.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Cooking Notes:

• Avoid Overcooking the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so sauté it just until fragrant. If it burns, it can leave a bitter taste in the sauce.
• Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest sauce, use full-fat heavy cream. Low-fat versions won’t provide the same richness.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick after adding the cheese, you can always loosen it with a little bit of pasta water, which helps the sauce stick better to the pasta.
• Don’t Skip the Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end not only adds color but also a fresh, herbal note that complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions:

While this hearty dish is a meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with complementary sides:

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: Serve a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad would work wonderfully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts add a nice crunch and balance to the creamy pasta.

Tips:

• Storage: Store any leftover cheesy penne in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture and heat over low heat.
• Meal Prep: You can cook the ground beef and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and combine with the pre-made sauce.
• Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze very well because of the dairy content. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for a few days.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1/4 of the recipe):

• Calories: 680 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 850mg

FAQs:

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe? Yes! If you prefer a different cheese, try using provolone, fontina, or a mix of your favorite cheeses. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well for the creamiest sauce.

Q2: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey or chicken would be great substitutes. They will provide a lighter version of the dish while still being flavorful.

Q3: How do I make this dish spicier? You can add more red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a bit of hot sauce to the sauce to give it an extra kick.

Q4: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and ground beef mixture in advance, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. The sauce will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food. The rich, creamy sauce and the savory, buttery ground beef come together perfectly to create a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and filled with the kind of flavors that make you want to reach for seconds. Try this recipe next time you need a comforting, easy-to-make meal—and don’t forget to share your thoughts or variations with us!