If you’re after a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that fuses classic Italian comfort with gooey, melty cheese and a compelling garlicky aroma, then Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is about to become your new obsession. This dish transforms humble pantry staples into a pasta bowl that feels both luxurious and fuss-free, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends at a casual get-together. Creamy cheese sauce, savory ground beef, and heaps of flavorful garlic all come together with tender penne for a dinner that’s as easy to love as it is to make.

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to lend unique texture and bold flavor to every bite. Think creamy cheeses, fragrant herbs, and the undeniable richness that only garlic butter can impart.

Penne Pasta: This sturdy, tube-shaped pasta is perfect for capturing creamy, cheesy sauce in every forkful.
Olive Oil: Adds a subtle earthy base, helping brown the beef and kickstarting all the deep flavors in the skillet.
Ground Beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend for juicy, savory crumbles that stay tender and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
Fresh Garlic (minced): The heart of the dish—freshly minced cloves provide a robust punch that infuses every layer.
Garlic Powder: Yes, more garlic! This dry seasoning boosts overall aroma and ties the flavors together.
Onion Powder: A dash lends sweetness and depth to balance the garlic’s boldness.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough heat to tingle your taste buds without overwhelming the dish.
Black Pepper: Brings a gentle warmth and enhances every savory note.
Salt: Essential for making all the flavors sing.
Unsalted Butter: Melts into the beef, transforming the sauce into a rich, velvety dream.
Heavy Cream: Creates that wonderfully lush, decadent sauce that clings lovingly to every noodle.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Makes for a stretchy, gooey cheese pull that no one can resist!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Fresh Parsley (chopped): A sprinkle of green provides freshness and a pop of color to finish things off.

How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add your penne and cook just until al dente—check the package for timing! Remember to scoop out half a cup of pasta water before you drain; this starchy sidekick will come in handy if you need to loosen your sauce later. Set the pasta aside in its pot while you move to the next step.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While your pasta simmers, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. The goal is golden, flavorful crumbles—so let it sizzle for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until there’s no pink left. This step builds the base of savory flavor for your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spices

Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two, letting its aroma bloom. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt onto the beef. Stir well and let those spices toast for a minute, deepening their flavors and making your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the unsalted butter right into the skillet with the seasoned beef. As it melts, it marries all those savory, aromatic notes together. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and allow the sauce to gently bubble away for a few minutes until it’s warm and silky.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Time for the magic! Sprinkle in shredded mozzarella and stir until it melts into pure, creamy decadence. Add the Parmesan cheese next, stirring until everything is thick, smooth, and glossy. If your sauce feels a little thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach cheesy perfection.

Step 6: Toss Everything Together

Add your cooked penne right into the skillet, folding gently so every piece gets coated in that luscious garlic butter and cheese sauce. Cook for just another minute or two so the pasta absorbs all the flavors. Remove from heat, sprinkle over the chopped parsley, and you’re nearly ready to eat.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Dish out the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef while piping hot. For a little extra indulgence, dust with more Parmesan cheese on top. The result? Creamy, garlicky, beefy pasta that you won’t want to stop eating.

How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Garnishes

For maximum visual and flavor impact, always finish your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef with an extra sprinkling of chopped parsley and maybe an extra shower of grated Parmesan. If you love a little heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders. The bright green herbs and snowy cheese make each plate restaurant beautiful.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy lemon vinaigrette, a side of roasted vegetables, or a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce. Something fresh and crunchy is the perfect foil for all that creamy, cheesy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef up a notch by serving it in individual bowls with a big handful of microgreens on top, or even in a baked bread bowl for extra wow factor. For a cozy gathering, present the pasta in a big skillet at the table and let everyone help themselves family-style—it’s just as fun as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let it cool completely before covering, and store any extra Parmesan or fresh herbs separately so they stay bright when you enjoy leftovers.

Freezing

This pasta can be frozen, although the texture of the sauce and pasta may change slightly. For best results, cool the dish thoroughly, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently rewarm Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating also works for individual portions—just stir halfway through to keep things creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for capturing all that glorious sauce, rigatoni, ziti, or rotini will also work beautifully in Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground “beef” if you’re looking to lighten things up or make this dish vegetarian—just be mindful of adjusting seasonings to taste.

How do I make it a bit spicier?

To dial up the heat in your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, simply add more crushed red pepper flakes or serve with chili oil drizzled on top for an extra kick.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While freshly grated cheese melts most smoothly, pre-shredded mozzarella and Parmesan work in a pinch—just be aware that pre-shredded varieties sometimes contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture.

What can I add for extra veggies?

Toss in sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or even peas to add color, texture, and nutrients to Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. Just stir your veggies in after the beef is browned but before adding the cream.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe is comfort food at its finest—uncomplicated, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to be requested again and again. Bring it to your table soon, and don’t forget to savor those cheesy, garlicky flavors together with your favorite people!