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

Scale

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)

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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.