Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The garlic butter sauce enhances the ground beef, while the creamy, cheesy sauce brings everything together in a comforting way. The dish is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with bold flavors. The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, but you can adjust them to your taste for a mild or spicy version. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Combine the ingredients: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combine with pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta with the creamy beef sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
Serve: Serve the cheesy penne with ground beef immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Cheese: Stir in shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
Veggies: Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of ground beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring more heat to the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or heat on the stove over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can substitute the penne with other types of pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of cream or beef broth when reheating.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese to make it completely dairy-free.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes! You can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to make the dish even more flavorful and nutritious. Sauté the vegetables along with the onions and garlic for best results.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

6. How can I make the sauce richer?

To make the sauce richer, you can add a little more butter or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also mix in some cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.

7. Can I use low-fat cream in this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream, but the sauce will not be as rich and creamy as it would be with full-fat heavy cream.

8. How do I make this recipe spicier?

To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

9. Can I use ground beef that is leaner than 80/20?

Yes, you can use leaner ground beef, but you may need to add a little more butter or oil to compensate for the lower fat content.

10. Can I skip the beef broth?

If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. You could also use water, but the flavor may not be as rich.

Conclusion

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a flavorful and comforting meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. With tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Whether you enjoy it as is or add your own twists with extra veggies or cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy garlic butter sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. (Keyword: Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef)

Instructions

Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Return beef to skillet. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes; stir to combine.
Pour in heavy cream and beef broth. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water if needed. Stir to coat evenly.
Serve hot, optionally garnished with Parmesan or parsley.

Notes

Add cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan for extra richness.

Incorporate vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Adjust red pepper flakes for a spicier or milder dish.

Swap beef with turkey, chicken, or sausage as a variation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop / One-pot
Cuisine: Italian-American