Looking for a dinner idea that’s fast, filling, and packed with bold flavor? This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is about to become your new weeknight favorite. With perfectly cooked penne tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, seasoned ground beef, and loads of melty cheese, this one-skillet meal checks all the boxes for comfort food without the hassle. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a great way to turn simple ingredients—pasta, beef, garlic, cheese—into something everyone at the table will love. Plus, everything comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings. Let’s kick things off by boiling the pasta and building that garlicky, buttery flavor base that takes this dish from ordinary to crave-worthy.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

This ingredient list might look simple, but together it creates a savory, cheesy pasta dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for sharing. STEP 1: COOK THE PENNE PASTA Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. STEP 2: SAUTÉ GARLIC AND ONION IN BUTTER In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. This step creates the flavorful base for your sauce.

  STEP 3: BROWN THE GROUND BEEF Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. The spices and aromatics mix into the meat, giving it that rich, savory flavor you’ll taste in every bite.

  BUILD THE SAUCE, COMBINE EVERYTHING, AND MELT THAT CHEESE Now that your garlic and onion are sautéed and the beef is browned and seasoned, it’s time to bring this dish together. A quick deglaze with broth, a generous helping of cheese, and your cooked penne pasta are all you need to complete this comforting one-pan meal. Let’s keep things simple and delicious. STEP 4: POUR IN THE BEEF BROTH TO DEGLAZE Add ½ cup of beef broth to the skillet with the cooked beef and stir to deglaze the pan. This not only lifts the flavorful bits off the bottom of the skillet but also helps blend all those seasonings into a rich, savory base. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

  STEP 5: ADD THE COOKED PENNE TO THE SKILLET Once the broth has reduced slightly, add the drained penne pasta back into the skillet. Gently toss it with the beef mixture until everything is evenly coated in that garlic butter and seasoned meat. Lower the heat so you don’t scorch the cheese in the next step. STEP 6: STIR IN THE CHEESE UNTIL MELTED Time for the best part—cheese. Add in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring until both melt into the pasta and beef mixture. The result is a thick, creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Make sure everything is well mixed so that the cheese distributes evenly. If you like your pasta ultra-cheesy, feel free to sprinkle a little more mozzarella on top and cover the pan for a minute or two to let it melt even more.

  STEP 7: FINISH WITH FRESH PARSLEY Once the cheese is fully melted and the pasta is coated in that rich garlic butter sauce, sprinkle in the chopped parsley. It adds a pop of freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melting. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• Don’t skip the beef broth—it brings everything together and deepens the savory flavor.
• Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving.

This dish is best served hot right from the skillet, making it a perfect option for casual family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

 

FAQS & FINAL THOUGHTS ON CHEESY PENNE WITH GARLIC BUTTER GROUND BEEF

By now, your kitchen smells amazing, and your skillet is full of cheesy, savory goodness. This recipe is comfort food at its best—minimal prep, one pan, and enough flavor to have everyone asking for seconds. Before you dig in, let’s cover a few commonly asked questions and wrap things up with some final notes on why this dish is a true weeknight hero. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. CAN I SUBSTITUTE THE GROUND BEEF? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even ground sausage work just as well. For a vegetarian option, try lentils or a meat substitute like plant-based crumbles. 2. WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE PENNE? No problem. Any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli will hold up well in the cheesy sauce. 3. CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME? Yes. You can prepare the full dish and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce when reheating. 4. HOW DO I MAKE IT EXTRA CREAMY? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a couple tablespoons of cream cheese before adding the pasta for a richer, creamier texture. 5. CAN I ADD VEGETABLES? Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini make great additions. Just cook them along with the onion and garlic before adding the beef. 6. WHAT SHOULD I SERVE WITH IT? This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread. It’s also hearty enough to stand on its own.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY THIS GARLIC BUTTER PASTA BELONGS IN YOUR WEEKLY ROTATION

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is the kind of meal that feels like a splurge but comes together in one pan with everyday ingredients. It’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying—without being overly complicated. Plus, the garlic butter adds just the right balance of comfort and flavor. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you liked it! Did you add a twist or try a different cheese combo? Let me know in the comments. Looking for more quick and comforting dinner ideas like this one? Stick around—I’ve got plenty of cozy meals that are big on flavor and light on stress. Let’s keep cooking together! Print