If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender penne pasta with savory ground beef sautéed in fragrant garlic butter, then smothered in rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, this recipe brings together delicious layers of taste and texture that everyone will adore. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering where you want to impress without too much fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple yet essential ingredients that work together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor, creaminess, and a hint of herbs. Each component plays a vital role in bringing comfort and richness to this savory pasta bake.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto sauce and cheese, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein and a savory base that’s perfectly enhanced by seasonings.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
- 2 tbsp butter: Key for sautéing garlic and beef, lending a smooth, rich texture.
- 2 cups tomato sauce or marinara: Provides a tangy, comforting tomato base that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional): Introduces a velvety richness that makes the sauce even more luscious.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, cheesy crust everyone loves.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances flavor with a classic Italian touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish.
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) to get it ready for baking the pasta later. This step ensures that everything cooks evenly and you get that perfect bubbly, golden cheese topping.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the penne pasta until it is al dente — tender but still with a little bite. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the flavorful beef sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Butter
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute until it releases its amazing aroma but isn’t browned. This step creates the flavorful base that will elevate the entire recipe.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the garlic butter. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the beef until it is nicely browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula so it’s nice and crumbly.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet and stir in the heavy cream if you are using it. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly to coat the pasta beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the ground beef sauce. Stir well to ensure every piece of penne is generously coated with that rich, cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Step 7: Bake with Cheese
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This final step creates a cheesy crust that’s both visually appealing and deliciously melty.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the dish uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and just beginning to turn golden brown. This adds a lovely texture contrast with a crispy top and gooey inside.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor that complements the richness beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds bright color but also a fresh, slightly peppery note that cuts through the richness. If you love a little extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top works perfectly too.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty dish alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette are also fantastic choices to soak up any extra sauce and complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving the pasta in individual oven-safe ramekins to create personal cheesy casseroles. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving for extra flavor and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Covering with foil and baking at 350°F helps retain moisture and revives that bubbly cheesy topping beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
No, the heavy cream is optional but adds extra creaminess and richness. You can skip it if you prefer a lighter tomato sauce or even substitute with half-and-half.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version that still packs plenty of flavor.
What can I do if I want more cheese flavor?
Mix in some grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano with the mozzarella, or add extra cheese layers between the pasta for an even cheesier bake.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while browning the beef or stir some hot sauce into the tomato sauce before baking to give the dish a welcome kick.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe, it will become a regular go-to for family dinners and cozy nights in. It’s a delicious, comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare but feels so special. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in cheesy, garlicky goodness that warms the soul.
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 Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish that combines tender penne with savory ground beef sautéed in garlic butter, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this easy recipe balances creamy, cheesy goodness with Italian-inspired seasoning and a crispy golden cheese topping.
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
Topping 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 prepare for baking the assembled pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. 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 fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with garlic butter. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook, breaking the beef apart, until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Cream: Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir in the heavy cream if using, to add richness. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Stir very well so that every piece of pasta is evenly coated in the garlicky, tomato sauce mixture.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has slightly golden edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a creamier sauce, do not omit the heavy cream; it adds a luxurious texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten free if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To save time, prepare the pasta and beef sauce a day ahead, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
