If you are craving a comfort food that feels like a warm, cheesy hug, the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender penne pasta with savory garlic butter ground beef, all enveloped in a luscious tomato cream sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that come together quickly, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where everyone wants something hearty and satisfying. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the aromatic garlic butter that infuses the ground beef to the creamy tomato sauce that hugs each piece of penne. These essentials come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting to the palate.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Choose good-quality penne for the perfect bite that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Adds rich savory flavor without too much grease, keeping the dish balanced.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is key here, lending that irresistible aroma and depth.
- 2 tbsp butter: Creates the delicious garlic butter base that elevates the beef.
- 2 cups tomato sauce or marinara: Use your favorite sauce for that comforting, tangy backbone.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional): This adds luscious creaminess to the sauce, making it rich and smooth.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts perfectly, giving you that cheese pull everyone loves.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brightens the flavors with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all other ingredients.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor at the end.
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures your cheesy penne bakes to a bubbly, golden perfection right away after assembling. It saves time and guarantees a beautiful finish to your dish.
Step 2: Cook the Penne
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until it’s just al dente. Cooking it properly is crucial since you want the pasta to hold its shape and texture through the baking process. Once cooked, drain and set it aside to wait for its delicious companions.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter gently and add your minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it. This step unlocks the rich garlic flavor that will coat your ground beef and infuse the entire dish.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the garlic butter. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook until the beef is evenly browned, crumbly, and thoroughly cooked through. This mixture forms the savory heart of the recipe.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Pour your tomato sauce right into the skillet with the beef. If you’re using heavy cream, stir it in now to create a velvety sauce that perfectly balances acidity and richness. Let the sauce simmer gently for about five minutes so all those bold flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked penne directly in the skillet, mixing it thoroughly so every piece is coated with that luscious sauce, garlic butter, and spiced beef. This step ensures harmony between the pasta and the sauce before it all gets baked to perfection.
Step 7: Assemble and Top
Transfer the penne and beef mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. The cheese will melt and brown during baking, adding a gorgeous crust and gooey texture.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbling
Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the cheese to become bubbly and just slightly golden on top — that’s your cue that it’s ready to come out and be devoured.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley across the top to add a fresh, vibrant finishing touch. This final flourish elevates the presentation and adds a subtle herbal note that complements the richness of the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic finishing touch that adds both color and brightness. You can also try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or some grated Parmesan for an extra layer of cheesy goodness. These little garnishes can transform the dish from simple to spectacular.
Side Dishes
This hearty, cheesy main pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh sides like a green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables that add texture contrast and nutrition. Garlic bread is also a perfect companion here — it helps soak up every bite of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions into the mix before baking to deepen the flavor profile. Another idea is to sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunchy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe reheats wonderfully, so saving leftovers is a smart move. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to meld, making it even better on day two!
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, this dish freezes well. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes it an excellent option for busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave it on medium power, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce can help keep it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works perfectly because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, ziti, or even macaroni. Just be sure to cook pasta to al dente for the best texture after baking.
Is it okay to skip the heavy cream?
Yes! The cream adds a richer, silkier texture, but omitting it won’t compromise flavor much. The tomato sauce and butter already provide plenty of delicious moisture and taste.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild by default, making it family-friendly. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. The garlic butter and marinara sauce will still give you that comforting, savory experience.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
Mozzarella is ideal for melting and creating that classic bubbly top. Feel free to mix in some Parmesan or provolone for extra flavor complexity. Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that’s cheesy, savory, and easy to make like this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a special treat but comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. I’m confident it’ll be love at first bite for you and anyone lucky enough to share the meal. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a whirl — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a hearty and flavorful pasta bake perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender penne pasta is combined with garlic sautéed ground beef, a rich tomato and cream sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is garnished with fresh parsley to add a touch of freshness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups tomato sauce or marinara
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the cheesy pasta dish.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente, meaning it should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the garlic. Season the beef using salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the beef until it is thoroughly browned and no longer pink inside, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add sauce and cream: Pour in the tomato sauce or marinara to the cooked beef. If you are using heavy cream, stir it in at this stage. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet and mix well so that the pasta is evenly coated with the beef and tomato mixture.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly spread it out and then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: After baking, garnish the cheesy penne with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- You can omit the heavy cream for a lighter tomato-based sauce, or substitute with a lactose-free cream if desired.
- Using lean ground beef helps keep the dish lower in fat while still providing richness and flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- If you prefer, use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
