Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Looking for a meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful? Then Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is your new go-to! This dish brings together tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, and the creamy, garlicky goodness of a butter sauce—all topped with melted cheese that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. It’s one of those comforting meals that feels like a big hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something rich and satisfying. Trust me, this one will quickly become a family favorite!

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

This recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Here’s why Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef will quickly become your favorite weeknight dinner:

Cheese Galore: Who can resist melted cheese? This dish is loaded with gooey, melted cheese, making it irresistible. The perfect melty topping over the pasta and beef will have you going back for seconds (or thirds)!

Garlicky Goodness: The garlic butter sauce is absolutely mouthwatering. It coats every bite of pasta and beef with savory, buttery richness that takes this dish to the next level.

Easy to Make: The beauty of this dish is how simple it is to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful and filling meal on the table in no time. Even beginners will feel like kitchen pros!

Comfort Food: Between the hearty beef, cheesy pasta, and garlic butter, this dish is ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Customizable: Want to make it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Need to sneak in some veggies? Spinach or zucchini would blend perfectly into the sauce!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this rich, cheesy dish:

Ground Beef

The star of the dish, ground beef provides savory, hearty flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter sauce.

Penne Pasta

The sturdy penne pasta is ideal for holding onto all that delicious garlic butter sauce and cheese. It’s the perfect base for this creamy, comforting meal.

Garlic

The garlic is what brings the flavor to life in this dish. It adds that unmistakable savory aroma and depth to the garlic butter sauce.

Butter

The butter is the key to the smooth, velvety sauce that wraps around the pasta and beef. It gives the dish its rich, creamy texture.

Shredded Cheese

For the cheesy goodness! Use mozzarella or cheddar, or even a blend of both, to get that melty, gooey effect. The cheese brings everything together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive right into making this cheesy, garlicky dish!

Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. You want it al dente so it holds up to the creamy sauce.

Brown the Beef

While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being too greasy.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook the garlic in the butter for 1-2 minutes, until it’s fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn it!

Combine the Pasta and Beef

Add the cooked penne pasta and browned beef into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the buttery sauce.

Add the Cheese

Now for the magic: sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta and beef mixture. Stir gently to help the cheese melt and coat the pasta in cheesy goodness.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted and everything is beautifully combined, serve your cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef hot. Pair it with a side salad, garlic bread, or just enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s going to be a hit!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 650

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

While this dish is filling on its own, here are a few sides that would make it even more delicious:

Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with warm, crispy garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Fresh Salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli would pair wonderfully with the pasta for added color and nutrients.

Steamed Green Beans: For a light and healthy option, steamed green beans or sautéed spinach make a great side dish to balance out the richness.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef even more amazing:

Add Veggies: You can easily add some veggies to this dish. Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or even bell peppers would blend seamlessly into the garlic butter sauce.

Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner alternative, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It will still be delicious with the garlic butter sauce and cheese!

Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the garlic butter sauce.

Use Different Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan or cheddar and Monterey Jack will give the dish a new flavor twist.

Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days, so you can make it ahead and enjoy it for lunch or dinner later. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can substitute penne with any pasta shape you like, such as rigatoni, farfalle, or rotini. Just be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Definitely! You can make it ahead, refrigerate it for up to 3 days, and reheat when you’re ready to serve. It tastes just as good the next day!

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: Yes, cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Q4: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A4: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and gives you a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?
A5: If you want some heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce, or toss in some chopped jalapeños or a little hot sauce.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A6: Yes, veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini would work beautifully in this dish. Simply sauté them with the garlic and butter.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a quick meal!

Q8: Can I make this dish without cheese?
A8: You can skip the cheese for a lighter version, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a non-dairy option.

Q9: Can I add a crunchy topping?
A9: Yes! A sprinkle of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top, then baked for a few minutes, can add a delightful crunch to the creamy, cheesy pasta.

Q10: What side dishes pair well with this?
A10: A fresh salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread make great sides to this rich and cheesy dish.

Conclusion

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a total crowd-pleaser—rich, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner with family and friends. Whether you’re a garlic butter lover or just someone who appreciates a cheesy pasta dish, this one’s sure to hit the spot every time. Grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!

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