Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Introduction

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort meal that delivers big flavors in every bite. Tender penne pasta mingles with a rich and creamy cheese sauce, while the savory ground beef is infused with aromatic garlic butter. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, thanks to its irresistible flavors and satisfying, hearty appeal.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

What sets this dish apart is the marriage of cheesy, gooey pasta with perfectly browned, garlicky ground beef. The creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta, and the bold contrast of textures—from tender noodles to juicy beef—ensures each forkful is loaded with flavor. This meal is approachable for both beginners and pros, suitable for meal prep, and sure to convert even the pickiest eaters.

Getting Prepped Efficiently

Efficiency makes cooking this recipe hassle-free. Chopping onions and garlic is a breeze with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, saving precious prep time and ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.

For perfect al dente pasta, use a large pot and stir frequently. To maximize flavor, salt your water well and reserve a bit of pasta water before draining—this can help you adjust your sauce to the ideal consistency later.

Building Layers of Flavor

Start your sauce by sautéing onions and garlic in sizzling butter for a rich, mouthwatering base. Browning the ground beef well adds complex, savory notes. Break up the beef evenly using a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher for fine crumbles that incorporate seamlessly into the sauce.

Once the beef is cooked through, add a splash of reserved pasta water, cream, and a blend of your favorite cheeses. Stir until silky and smooth, letting the cheese melt fully for an ultra-creamy finish.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Return the drained pasta to the pot, then pour over the cheesy ground beef sauce. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water if needed to reach your preferred consistency. For that golden, bubbly finish, transfer to a baking dish and broil for a minute or two—or serve right out of the pot for a quicker meal.

A quality SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch ensures nothing sticks as you craft your sauce and brown your beef.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serve your Cheesy Penne with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a side salad, and toasted garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired feast. To store leftovers, portion into airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep your meal fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for meal preppers and lunch the next day.

If you’re dining outside or bringing this pasta on the go, try a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for portable convenience that keeps your meal warm and intact.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 generous portions, each packed with about 600–700 calories, depending on cheese and cream usage. It’s a filling entrée balanced by protein from ground beef and calcium from the cheese—a reason to savor every bite.

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef (Recap)

With its blend of creamy cheese, garlicky butter, and savory ground beef, this recipe is a guaranteed weeknight success. Easy, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying, it’s a dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot, seasoning well with salt. Add penne and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water; drain the pasta and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, place a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium heat. Add butter, then onions, and cook until soft (about 2–3 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it up using a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (about 5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir continuously until cheese melts and the sauce thickens (2–3 minutes). Thin with reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to desired consistency.
5. Add cooked penne and toss everything together in the skillet. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy meal prep or portable lunches.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy this rich, cheesy pasta experience—simple, quick, and always a winner at the dinner table!