A comforting, creamy pasta dish made with simple pantry staples in just 30 minutes.
This Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef delivers restaurant-quality flavor using everyday ingredients. It’s a dish I’ve turned to time and again when I need a quick, hearty dinner that pleases everyone—from picky kids to last-minute dinner guests. The secret lies in building flavor at every step: browning the beef properly, sautéing garlic and onions until fragrant, and finishing the dish with a silky, rich cream sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of penne.
Whether you stick to the basics or add extras like mushrooms or bell peppers, this recipe is built for versatility. Best of all, it’s just as good the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Creamy, rich sauce that coats every bite
- Leftovers reheat beautifully
- Easy to customize with what you have on hand
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne rigate (ridged penne pasta)
- Salt (for boiling water)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for tossing pasta)
For the Beef:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 85/15 for flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (it should taste like the sea).
- Add penne and stir immediately to prevent sticking.
- Cook 2 minutes less than package instructions for a firm, al dente texture.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- Lightly toss the pasta with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent clumping.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add olive oil or butter, then add the ground beef in a single layer.
- Let it sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a crust.
- Break the beef into large chunks—not too fine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook until browned and just cooked through. Drain excess fat, but leave a little for flavor.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Push the beef to one side of the pan and melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the cleared space.
- Add the garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 2–3 minutes).
- Stir everything together and pour in the heavy cream and beef broth.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let it reduce for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Let it cook together for 2–3 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality beef broth for a richer, more savory sauce.
- Don’t overcook the garlic—30 seconds is enough before adding liquids.
- Add pasta water gradually—it helps create a perfectly clingy sauce.
- Let it rest for 2–3 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Avoid microwaving for too long, which can cause the sauce to separate.
This Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef is comfort food at its best—rich, creamy, and totally satisfying. It’s a dish you can pull together with kitchen staples but still feels like something special. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or yourself, this pasta delivers every time.