Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

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This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a dish that brings pure comfort to your dinner table. With tender penne pasta coated in a silky layer of garlic-infused butter, mingling with well-seasoned ground beef and finished with bubbling, golden cheese, every bite is rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth—perfect for a cozy evening in or feeding a hungry crowd.

What really sets this dish apart is the balance of savory beef, aromatic garlic, and gooey cheese—all brought together by the penne’s perfect texture. It’s a delicious hybrid between a pasta bake and a skillet dinner, offering the ease of a one-pan meal with the indulgence of a comfort food classic. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this is a go-to recipe that pleases every time.

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

• Incredible flavor: The garlic butter adds richness while the ground beef brings deep umami that’s amplified by melty cheese.
• Easy prep: Minimal chopping, simple ingredients, and only a few main steps.
• Perfect for leftovers: The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an ideal next-day meal.
• Family-friendly: Picky eaters love it, and it’s easily customizable.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Before diving into cooking, having your tools ready makes the process faster and much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is essential:

• Large Pot: For boiling the penne pasta. A spacious pot helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents sticking.
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: You’ll brown the ground beef and prepare the garlic butter sauce here. A nonstick or cast-iron skillet is best for even heat distribution and ease of cleaning.
• Colander: To drain the pasta without losing any down the sink. A mesh-style colander also helps rinse excess starch if needed.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring the meat and mixing the sauce without scratching your pan.
• Box Grater (or Pre-shredded Cheese): Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds creamier texture.
• Oven-safe Baking Dish (Optional): If you want a golden-baked cheese topping, transfer everything to a casserole dish for a quick oven broil.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: For consistent seasoning and accurate sauce proportions.

Having everything within reach before you start helps keep the cooking stress-free and more enjoyable.

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Preparation Tips

• Salt the pasta water generously: It should taste like the sea—this is the only chance to season the pasta itself.
• Undercook the pasta slightly: Since the penne will cook a bit more in the sauce, draining it just before al dente ensures it won’t turn mushy.
• Drain beef if overly greasy: After browning, pour off excess fat unless you want a richer sauce.
• Use freshly minced garlic: It provides a stronger, sweeter flavor compared to jarred garlic.
• Don’t skip the resting: Let the finished dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese and sauce settle into the pasta.

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Ingredients for This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

To bring this comforting dish to life, you’ll need the following ingredients. They’re easy to find and combine to create a rich, balanced flavor:

Pasta & Meat

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta – Cooked just shy of al dente.
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef – Lean ground beef preferred for less grease.

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – For the garlic butter base.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced for maximum flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the savory profile.
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a gentle heat kick.

Cheese & Bindings

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and gives the dish that signature cheese pull.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth.
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk – Helps the sauce coat the pasta evenly.

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley, chopped – For a touch of freshness and color.
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Feel free to adjust seasoning and spice levels to your preference, and substitute plant-based beef or dairy-free cheese for dietary needs.

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Step 1: Cook the Penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until just shy of al dente—usually 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease, then return the meat to the pan.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

Lower the heat to medium. Push the beef to the sides of the skillet and melt the butter in the center. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute—be careful not to brown the garlic.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta, Cream, and Cheese

Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the beef and garlic butter. Pour in the heavy cream or milk and stir everything together. Add the Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.

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Step 5: Top with Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, reduce heat to low, and let sit for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can transfer everything to an oven-safe dish and broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top, add an extra pinch of Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.

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Notes

• Customize the cheese: While mozzarella gives you the classic melt, try mixing in fontina, cheddar, or gouda for extra richness.
• Ground meat alternatives: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute without altering the method.
• Boost the veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or chopped bell peppers to make it more nutritious and colorful.
• Make it spicy: Increase the crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and then reheat just before serving—it reheats beautifully.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: This leads to a mushy final dish. Pull it off the heat while it’s still slightly firm.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic burns fast and becomes bitter. Always sauté it gently over medium or low heat.
• Using too much grease: If the beef is too fatty and you don’t drain it, the sauce may turn oily instead of creamy.
• Not seasoning at each step: Season the pasta water, meat, and sauce layers individually for the best flavor depth.
• Skipping cheese layering: Adding all the cheese at once can result in clumping; divide it for creaminess and topping.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef?

A dish this rich and cheesy pairs best with lighter or contrasting textures and flavors. Here are some top recommendations to round out your meal:

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette
   The crispy texture and buttery garlic flavor complement the creamy pasta and help scoop up extra sauce.
2. Simple Arugula or Mixed Greens Salad
   Light, peppery greens with a vinaigrette cut through the richness of the dish.
3. Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower
   Adds a nice charred depth and balances the carb-heavy main.
4. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon
   Bright, slightly bitter, and crisp—it’s a natural match.
5. Caprese Salad
   Tomato, mozzarella, and basil offer a refreshing and mild contrast.
6. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
   A soft, silky green to echo the garlic in the pasta while bringing a healthy edge.
7. Antipasto Platter
   Cured meats, olives, and marinated veggies offer variety and texture before the main course.
8. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
   If you’re feeling indulgent, a small cup of soup alongside the pasta makes for a hearty Italian-inspired duo.

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Storage Instructions

This dish stores very well, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

• Refrigeration: Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. For best texture, reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Avoid refreezing after thawing, and consume leftovers within a few days for optimal taste and safety.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

Please note these are estimates and may vary depending on brands and exact measurements used.

• Calories: ~580 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Fat: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugars: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Calcium: 20% DV

For a lighter version, you can reduce the cheese and butter or use low-fat cream alternatives.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking or reheating. Just add a splash of cream or broth before reheating to keep it moist.

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2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Fusilli, rigatoni, ziti, or shells all work well. Just avoid delicate pastas like angel hair or linguine—they don’t hold up as well to the thick sauce.

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3. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use plant-based butter and cream alternatives, and substitute dairy-free cheese. Coconut cream or oat milk work well for the sauce base.

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4. What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version all make great alternatives.

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5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Try chopped spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Add them when cooking the beef or sauté separately to control moisture.

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6. How can I make it spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce. Jalapeño slices sautéed with the garlic butter are also great.

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7. What’s the best way to reheat it?

Microwave with a little splash of milk for moisture, or reheat in a skillet over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally.

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8. Will it still taste good the next day?

Yes! The flavors often meld and deepen overnight. Just reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef isn’t just a comfort food—it’s a weeknight savior, a dinner party pleaser, and a reliable crowd-pleaser all in one skillet. With gooey cheese, aromatic garlic butter, and hearty ground beef, this pasta brings flavor and satisfaction in every bite. Whether served fresh or enjoyed as leftovers, it’s a recipe that earns a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation.

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