When you’re craving a warm, creamy, and satisfying dinner that’s quick to make, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef delivers every time. It’s rich, cheesy, and bursting with garlicky goodness—all tossed with tender penne pasta and savory ground beef. This one-pan pasta dish is a total crowd-pleaser and ideal for weeknights, family dinners, or comfort food cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Simple ingredients, big flavor
✅ Made in one pan—less mess!
✅ Hearty and cheesy with a buttery garlic twist
✅ Ready in 30 minutes or less
✅ Kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and customizable
Whether you need a quick dinner idea or a cozy meal to feed a group, this dish has you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, grated Parmesan
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
1. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or deep pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat and push the beef to the side of the pan.
2. Make the Garlic Butter
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir it into the beef.
3. Add Pasta and Liquid
Add the uncooked penne pasta, beef broth, and milk/cream to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
4. Add the Cheese
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Garnish and Serve
Top with more cheese, fresh parsley, or grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations to Try
- Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños
- Veggie boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini
- Different meat: Use Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even plant-based meat
- Extra creamy: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream
- Low-carb option: Use low-carb pasta or zucchini noodles (cook separately)
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth
- This dish can be frozen—cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months
What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread or cheesy toast
- A crisp Caesar salad or simple mixed greens
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again. It’s budget-friendly, fast, and full of comfort food flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, it hits all the right notes—cheesy, garlicky, beefy, and delicious.
One pan. Thirty minutes. Pure comfort. 🧄🧀🍝