Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Cook the Penne
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil (if using) over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook until browned and cooked through (about 7–8 minutes).
- Remove beef and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring often.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return beef to the skillet with garlic butter.
- Stir in cooked pasta, heavy cream, and reserved pasta water.
- Add mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
- Stir gently over low heat until cheese is fully melted and sauce coats the pasta.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil.
- Serve hot with extra cheese and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Notes
🥄 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the garlic butter Veggie Add-In: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers Baked Version: Top with extra cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes Ground Turkey/Chicken: Use instead of beef for a lighter version Creamy Alfredo Style: Add more cream and Parmesan for a richer base 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days Freezer: Freeze portions in containers for up to 2 months Reheat: Microwave with a splash of milk or reheat in a skillet with a bit of cream to loosen sauce ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use another pasta?
Yes—rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli all work great. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble and reheat with a splash of cream before serving. Can I skip the heavy cream?
Use milk and a bit more cheese, or substitute with half and half. What cheese works best?
Mozzarella for meltiness, cheddar for sharpness, Parmesan for richness. Can I make it in one pot?
Yes—use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven for both pasta and sauce. Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely—kids love the cheesy goodness! How can I make it less rich?
Use lean meat, less cheese, and swap cream for milk. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—omit beef and add roasted veggies or plant-based meat. What protein can I use instead?
Italian sausage, ground chicken, or tofu crumbles work well. Does it work as a freezer meal?
Absolutely—freeze in portions and reheat when needed. 🏁 Conclusion
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is everything comfort food should be: creamy, savory, satisfying, and easy enough to make on a busy night. With bold garlic butter flavor and melt-in-your-mouth cheese, it’s sure to become a staple in your pasta night rotation. 🍝🧄🧀 Grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the garlic butter Veggie Add-In: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers Baked Version: Top with extra cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes Ground Turkey/Chicken: Use instead of beef for a lighter version Creamy Alfredo Style: Add more cream and Parmesan for a richer base 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days Freezer: Freeze portions in containers for up to 2 months Reheat: Microwave with a splash of milk or reheat in a skillet with a bit of cream to loosen sauce ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use another pasta?
Yes—rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli all work great. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble and reheat with a splash of cream before serving. Can I skip the heavy cream?
Use milk and a bit more cheese, or substitute with half and half. What cheese works best?
Mozzarella for meltiness, cheddar for sharpness, Parmesan for richness. Can I make it in one pot?
Yes—use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven for both pasta and sauce. Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely—kids love the cheesy goodness! How can I make it less rich?
Use lean meat, less cheese, and swap cream for milk. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—omit beef and add roasted veggies or plant-based meat. What protein can I use instead?
Italian sausage, ground chicken, or tofu crumbles work well. Does it work as a freezer meal?
Absolutely—freeze in portions and reheat when needed. 🏁 Conclusion
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is everything comfort food should be: creamy, savory, satisfying, and easy enough to make on a busy night. With bold garlic butter flavor and melt-in-your-mouth cheese, it’s sure to become a staple in your pasta night rotation. 🍝🧄🧀 Grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!