When I think of ultimate comfort food, a bowl of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is right at the top of my list. The combination of rich, savory ground beef, buttery garlic, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and gooey melted cheese creates a dish that’s not only hearty but irresistibly satisfying. It’s one of those meals that fills your kitchen with the kind of aromas that make everyone eagerly gather around the table.

I love how simple this dish is to prepare, yet it delivers bold flavors with every bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it as a cozy weekend indulgence, this recipe never fails to please. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can easily adapt it with your favorite cheeses, herbs, or even add some vegetables for extra texture. Let’s dive in!

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

First and foremost, this dish is the epitome of comfort food—rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. The garlic butter adds a fragrant base that elevates the savory beef, while the perfectly cooked penne catches every bit of sauce and melted cheese.

You’ll also love how easy and quick it is to make. In under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and customizable—feel free to swap in different cheeses or add a hint of spice if that’s your style.

Ingredients for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Each ingredient in this dish plays a delicious role in building flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look:

Penne Pasta
This tubular pasta is perfect for catching the creamy, cheesy sauce and bits of ground beef. Its texture holds up well to hearty ingredients.

Ground Beef
Lean ground beef provides the savory base for this dish. It brings richness and depth to the garlic butter sauce.

Butter
Butter is the star of the sauce, creating a silky, flavorful coating for the pasta. Combined with garlic, it’s simply irresistible.

Garlic
Fresh garlic infuses the butter with bold, aromatic flavor. It’s essential for building the dish’s mouthwatering aroma and taste.

Mozzarella Cheese
Melted mozzarella adds that delightful stretchy, gooey texture we all love in cheesy pasta dishes.

Parmesan Cheese
A bit of Parmesan lends sharpness and umami, balancing out the richness of the mozzarella and beef.

Salt and Pepper
Simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip these!

Fresh Parsley
A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a touch of fresh, herby brightness to the finished dish.

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef2

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water to help bring the sauce together later if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should smell delicious, not bitter.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the garlic butter. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Lower the heat and add the cooked penne to the skillet with the beef and garlic butter. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully over the pasta and beef. Alternatively, you can pop the skillet under a broiler for a couple of minutes if you want a golden, bubbly top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!

How Long to Cook Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

This recipe is wonderfully quick, perfect for busy days. The total cooking time is about 25 to 30 minutes:

Boiling the pasta takes around 8-10 minutes.
Preparing the garlic butter and browning the beef will take another 8-10 minutes.
Combining everything and melting the cheese adds about 5 minutes to the process.

With a bit of multitasking (boiling pasta while you cook the beef), you can have this meal ready in no time.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

1. Use freshly minced garlic
Fresh garlic gives the butter an unmatched aroma and flavor. Pre-minced or jarred garlic tends to be milder and can lack the same depth.

2. Don’t overcook the garlic
Sauté it just until golden and fragrant. Burnt garlic will introduce bitterness to your dish.

3. Choose good quality cheese
Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt better and provide a richer taste than pre-shredded varieties.

4. Reserve pasta water
A splash of pasta water helps emulsify the butter and cheese, making the sauce cling to the penne perfectly.

5. Don’t over-drain the beef
Keep just enough fat to enrich the garlic butter without making the dish greasy.

6. Garnish thoughtfully
A little parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a pop of freshness to balance the richness.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Overcooking the Pasta
Penne should be cooked al dente so it holds its shape and texture when combined with the sauce and cheese.

2. Burning the Garlic
Garlic cooks quickly—once it turns golden and fragrant, move on to the next step. Burnt garlic can ruin the dish’s flavor.

3. Using Too Much Fat
If your ground beef renders a lot of fat, drain some off. Too much grease will make the dish heavy and unappetizing.

4. Skipping the Pasta Water
Don’t forget to reserve pasta water! It’s key to making the sauce silky and cohesive.

5. Using Pre-Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and tastes better.

6. Underseasoning
Season each layer of the dish (the beef, the pasta, the final toss) to bring out the best flavors.

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

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy garlic bread is a classic pairing—perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce.

2. Simple Green Salad

A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for a colorful and healthy side.

4. Steamed Asparagus

Tender asparagus adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.

5. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze is a refreshing complement.

6. Sautéed Spinach

A quick sauté with garlic makes a nutritious side that pairs well with the flavors of this dish.

7. Grilled Chicken

For extra protein, grilled chicken breast or thighs can be served on the side or even mixed into the pasta.

8. Glass of Red Wine

A light to medium-bodied red wine (like Merlot or Chianti) works beautifully with the rich, savory notes of the dish.

Storage Instructions

If you find yourself with leftovers (which doesn’t always happen with this dish!), Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef stores very well.

Refrigerator:
Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to help loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

Freezer:
You can freeze this dish, though the texture of the pasta may soften a bit upon thawing. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pro Tip:
If you plan to freeze, slightly undercook the pasta so it holds up better when reheated.

Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind these are rough estimates and can vary based on portion sizes and ingredient brands:

Calories: ~550–600 per serving
Protein: ~25–30g
Fat: ~30–35g
Carbohydrates: ~40–50g
Fiber: ~2–3g
Sugar: ~2–4g
Sodium: ~600–800mg

This dish is rich and satisfying—a true comfort meal! Pair it with a fresh side to round out the nutritional balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While penne works beautifully, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to cook it al dente.

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat all work well in this recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dish, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving. If you want to prepare it a day in advance, keep the cheese separate and melt it right before serving for the best texture.

What type of mozzarella is best?

Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but low-moisture mozzarella (grated) is also great for that classic stretchy, cheesy result.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Use freshly grated cheese and add it gradually off the heat or on low heat while stirring constantly.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently. But if you enjoy heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers are excellent additions. Just sauté them with the garlic and beef.

How can I make it more creamy?

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.

Conclusion

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is one of those dishes that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. I love how versatile it is—you can dress it up for company or whip it together on a busy weeknight. The combination of rich garlic butter, savory beef, and melty cheese is pure magic on the plate. Whether you stick to the recipe or add your own twist, this pasta is sure to become a favorite in your home too.

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Author: Sally Thompson
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting, satisfying pasta dish featuring al dente penne tossed with a rich garlic butter sauce, savory ground beef, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s quick to make and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
Reduce heat to low and add cooked penne to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta in the garlic butter and beef mixture. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the pasta. Cover skillet and let sit for a few minutes until cheese is melted.
Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes