Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. This is a perfect weeknight dish that comes together quickly and combines rich garlic butter, savory ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheese.
🧄🧀 Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
🧺 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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12 oz (about 3/4 of a box) penne pasta
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1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
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3 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely diced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup pasta water or beef broth (reserved from cooking the pasta)
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Optional: ½ cup heavy cream or sour cream for extra creaminess
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Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
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Cook the pasta:
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Boil penne in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
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Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the ground beef:
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
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Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning.
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Make the garlic butter sauce:
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Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the butter to the other side.
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Once melted, sauté garlic and onion in the butter until fragrant and softened (about 2–3 minutes).
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Stir everything together. Add red pepper flakes if using.
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Combine with pasta:
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Add the cooked penne to the skillet along with reserved pasta water (or beef broth). Toss to combine.
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Optional: Stir in heavy cream or sour cream for a creamier texture.
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Add cheese:
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Sprinkle in mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir over low heat until melted and gooey.
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Garnish and serve:
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Top with chopped parsley or basil.
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Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.
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📝 Tips & Variations:
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Swap mozzarella for cheddar or provolone for a different cheesy profile.
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Add cooked mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra veggies.
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Make it spicy with extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.