Cheesy Penne With Garlic Butter Ground Beef in Just 30 Minutes

• Perfect weeknight solution when you need comfort food fast
• One-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor
• Kid-approved with hidden vegetables for picky eaters
• Meal-prep friendly – tastes even better the next day

The Dinner Dilemma Solved

Ever stood in front of your open fridge at 5:30 pm with no dinner plan? We’ve all been there.

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe is your new secret weapon. It combines rich, garlicky beef with perfectly cooked pasta and a blanket of melted cheese that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What makes this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The garlic butter creates an aromatic base that coats every piece of pasta with savory goodness.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe feeds a family of four with minimal effort. Let’s get cooking!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	580
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	48g
Fat	28g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	640mg
Calcium	320mg
Iron	4mg

Serving size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 1.5 cups)

What You’ll Need for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground beef	1 pound (454g)	80/20 lean preferred
Penne pasta	12 ounces (340g)	About 4 cups uncooked
Unsalted butter	4 tablespoons (56g)	Divided
Garlic	4-5 cloves	Minced
Yellow onion	1 medium	Diced
Italian seasoning	1 tablespoon
Red pepper flakes	1/4 teaspoon	Optional, for heat
Salt	1 teaspoon	Divided
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons
Beef broth	1 cup (240ml)	Low-sodium preferred
Milk	1 cup (240ml)	2% or whole
Cheddar cheese	1 cup (113g)	Shredded
Mozzarella cheese	1 cup (113g)	Shredded
Fresh parsley	2 tablespoons	Chopped, for garnish

Kitchen Tools

Tool	Purpose
Large pot	For cooking pasta
Large skillet or sauté pan	For cooking the beef mixture
Colander	For draining pasta
Measuring cups and spoons	For precise measurements
Sharp knife	For chopping onions and garlic
Wooden spoon	For stirring
Cheese grater	If using block cheese
Cutting board	For prep work

Possible Substitutions

• Pasta: Any short pasta works (rotini, shells, farfalle)
• Ground beef: Try ground turkey or Italian sausage
• Cheese: Provolone, Gouda, or Monterey Jack can replace mozzarella
• Milk: Plant-based milk works (unsweetened)
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch
• Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese alternatives

Prep Time Guide for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase

1. Gather all ingredients:
   • Take out all ingredients from refrigerator and pantry
   • Place them on your counter to ensure you have everything
   • Allow butter to come to room temperature for easier handling
   • Remove cheeses from refrigerator 15 minutes before using for better melting
2. Prepare your vegetables:
   • Peel the yellow onion and cut it in half from top to bottom
   • Place the flat side of each half on the cutting board for stability
   • Cut into thin slices, then turn and cut across to make small diced pieces (about 1/4 inch)
   • Peel garlic cloves by pressing them with the flat side of your knife
   • Mince garlic by making thin slices, then turning and chopping in the other direction until very fine
3. Prepare your cheese (if not pre-shredded):
   • Unwrap cheese blocks and place on cutting board
   • Using the small holes of your grater, grate both cheeses
   • Place in separate bowls and set aside at room temperature
4. Start the pasta water:
   • Fill a large pot with water until it’s about 2/3 full (approximately 4 quarts)
   • Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water (it should taste like sea water)
   • Place pot on stove over high heat and cover with lid to bring to a boil faster
   • TIP: Watch for the water – if it starts to boil over, leave the lid slightly ajar
5. Prepare your workstation:
   • Place your colander in the sink for draining pasta later
   • Set up a heat-resistant surface or trivet near the stove for hot pans
   • Have measuring cups and spoons clean and ready to use
   • Keep a clean, damp cloth nearby for quick spill cleanup

Cooking the Ground Beef for Cheesy Penne

1. Preheat your pan:
   • Place your large skillet or sauté pan on the stove
   • Turn the heat to medium
   • Allow the pan to heat up for 1-2 minutes
   • TIP: Test if the pan is hot enough by sprinkling a few drops of water – they should sizzle and evaporate quickly
2. Melt the first portion of butter:
   • Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the hot pan
   • Swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly
   • The butter should melt quickly but not brown or burn
   • If the butter starts to brown immediately, your pan is too hot – reduce heat
3. Cook the ground beef:
   • Add all of the ground beef to the melted butter
   • Break it apart immediately using a wooden spoon
   • Keep breaking it into smaller and smaller pieces (pea-sized or smaller)
   • Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
   • TIP: Press down on larger chunks with the back of your spoon to break them up
4. Brown the beef thoroughly:
   • Stir the beef occasionally, about every 30 seconds
   • Continue cooking until no pink color remains, about 5-7 minutes
   • The meat should have a browned exterior with no red or pink visible
   • Some brown bits (fond) forming on the bottom of the pan is good – this adds flavor!
5. Remove excess fat (if necessary):
   • Tilt the pan slightly to one side
   • Allow the fat to pool at the bottom edge
   • Use a spoon to carefully remove most of the fat
   • Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan for flavor
   • TIP: Never pour hot fat down your drain – let it cool and dispose in trash
6. Add the diced onions:
   • Add all of your diced onion to the browned beef
   • Stir to combine evenly
   • Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally
   • The onions should become soft and translucent, not browned
   • TIP: If onions are browning too quickly, reduce heat slightly
7. Add the garlic and seasonings:
   • Add all of your minced garlic to the pan
   • Immediately add the Italian seasoning
   • Add red pepper flakes if using
   • IMPORTANT: Stir constantly for 30 seconds – garlic burns easily!
   • You should smell a fragrant aroma as the spices and garlic heat up

Creating the Cheese Sauce for Cheesy Penne

1. Add remaining butter:
   • Add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the pan
   • Stir it into the beef mixture as it melts
   • Allow it to melt completely, about 30 seconds
   • Make sure the butter is evenly distributed throughout the mixture
2. Make the roux (thickening base):
   • Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour evenly over the mixture
   • Stir continuously as you add the flour
   • Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour
   • The mixture should look slightly pasty and smell lightly toasted, not raw
   • TIP: This step is crucial – undercooked flour will taste pasty, overcooked will burn
3. Add liquids gradually:
   • Reduce heat to medium-low
   • Pour in about 1/4 cup of beef broth while stirring constantly
   • Stir vigorously to work out any lumps that form
   • Once smooth, add the remaining broth in a steady stream while stirring
   • TIP: If lumps form, stir more vigorously or use a whisk to smooth them out
4. Add the milk:
   • Pour in the milk in a steady stream while continuing to stir
   • Keep stirring until the mixture is completely smooth
   • Bring to a gentle simmer – you’ll see small bubbles forming at the edges
   • IMPORTANT: Do not boil rapidly or the milk may curdle
   • Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly
5. Test the sauce consistency:
   • Dip a spoon into the sauce and lift it out
   • Run your finger along the back of the spoon
   • The sauce should be thick enough to leave a clear path that doesn’t immediately fill in
   • If too thin, simmer a bit longer; if too thick, add a splash more broth
6. Add the cheese properly:
   • Reduce heat to low
   • Remove pan from heat source for 30 seconds to cool slightly
   • Return to low heat
   • Add about 1/4 cup of the cheddar cheese
   • Stir continuously until completely melted
   • TIP: Adding cheese all at once can cause clumping and separation
7. Continue adding cheese gradually:
   • Add the remaining cheddar cheese in 3 more additions
   • Stir until each addition is fully melted
   • Repeat the same process with the mozzarella cheese
   • The sauce should be smooth and velvety without any stringy bits
   • If cheese isn’t melting well, your heat may be too low – increase slightly
8. Final seasoning:
   • Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • Add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper
   • Stir to distribute seasonings evenly
   • Take a small taste (be careful, it’s hot!) and adjust if needed
   • TIP: Always taste before serving – you might need more salt depending on your cheese

Cooking the Pasta for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

1. Cook the pasta:
   • Once water is at a rolling boil (large bubbles breaking the surface rapidly)
   • Add the penne pasta to the boiling water
   • Stir immediately with a long spoon to prevent sticking
   • Set a timer according to package directions for al dente (usually 10-11 minutes)
   • TIP: Al dente means “to the tooth” – pasta should be tender but have slight resistance when bitten
2. Check pasta doneness:
   • One minute before the timer ends, fish out a single piece of pasta
   • Allow it to cool for a few seconds
   • Take a bite – it should be tender but still have a slight firmness in the center
   • If too firm, continue cooking and check every minute
   • TIP: It’s better to undercook slightly as the pasta will continue cooking in the hot sauce
3. Reserve pasta water before draining:
   • Before draining, use a measuring cup to scoop out 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water
   • Set this aside – it contains starch that can help thicken the sauce if needed
   • TIP: Place your measuring cup next to the pot before cooking as a reminder to save water
4. Drain the pasta properly:
   • Turn off heat under the pasta pot
   • Carefully carry pot to the sink where your colander is waiting
   • Pour contents into the colander to drain
   • Shake gently to remove excess water
   • IMPORTANT: Do not rinse the pasta – the starch helps the sauce adhere better

Combining Everything for Perfect Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

1. Add pasta to sauce:
   • Return the cheese sauce pan to low heat if you removed it
   • Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce in the pan
   • If your pan isn’t large enough, you can add both to the empty pasta pot instead
2. Combine gently:
   • Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula
   • Gently fold the pasta into the sauce with a lifting and turning motion
   • Continue until all pasta is evenly coated with sauce
   • Take care not to break the pasta pieces
   • TIP: If the mixture seems too dry, add the reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time
3. Final adjustments:
   • If sauce is too thick: add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time
   • If sauce is too thin: simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently
   • Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed
   • TIP: The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools slightly
4. Finishing touches:
   • Remove the pan from heat
   • Sprinkle the chopped parsley evenly over the top
   • Gently fold in half the parsley, leaving some visible on top
   • Cover the pan and let stand for 2-3 minutes
   • This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach perfect consistency
5. Serving your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef:
   • Use a large spoon to transfer to serving plates or bowls
   • For a nicer presentation, use tongs to twirl the pasta into a mound
   • Sprinkle with any remaining parsley
   • Serve immediately while hot
   • TIP: For extra indulgence, offer grated Parmesan at the table

Troubleshooting Your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Common Issues and Solutions

Problem: Sauce is too thick

• Solution: Add reserved pasta water or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time
• Beginner tip: Thick sauce coats the back of a spoon like paint; thin sauce runs off quickly

Problem: Sauce is too thin

• Solution: Simmer a few minutes longer or add a little more cheese
• Beginner tip: If sauce spreads too much on the plate, it needs more reduction

Problem: Cheese is clumping or separating

• Solution: Remove from heat immediately and stir vigorously; next time use lower heat and add cheese gradually
• Prevention: Always grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents

Problem: Pasta is mushy

• Solution: Be sure to cook pasta al dente as it will continue cooking slightly in the hot sauce
• Prevention: Set a timer and taste test before the package time is up

Problem: Garlic burned and tastes bitter

• Solution: If caught early, remove as much burned garlic as possible and add fresh minced garlic
• Prevention: Always add garlic later in the cooking process and keep stirring

Problem: Dish tastes bland

• Solution: Add more salt gradually (1/4 teaspoon at a time), a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan
• Beginner tip: Salt enhances the other flavors; it doesn’t just make food salty

Variations & Twists on Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Looking to change things up? Try these exciting variations of our Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef:

Veggie-Packed Version

• Add 1 cup diced bell peppers with the onions
• Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach just before adding the pasta
• Mix in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes at the very end

Spicy Mexican-Inspired

• Replace Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• Add 1 diced jalapeño with the onions
• Mix in 1/2 cup corn and 1/2 cup black beans
• Top with crushed tortilla chips before serving

Mediterranean Style

• Use ground lamb instead of beef
• Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Mix in 1/2 cup kalamata olives and 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers
• Top with crumbled feta instead of mozzarella

Lighter Version

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Replace half the pasta with 2 cups cauliflower florets
• Use reduced-fat cheese and milk
• Add 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast for extra flavor

Storage & Reheating Your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Storage Guidelines

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days
• Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months
• Prep tip: Slightly undercook pasta if you plan to freeze it

Best Reheating Methods

1. Microwave Method:
   • Place portion in microwave-safe bowl
   • Add 1 tablespoon of milk or water
   • Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel
   • Heat on 70% power for 2 minutes, stir, then heat in 30-second intervals until hot
2. Stovetop Method:
   • Place in saucepan over medium-low heat
   • Add 2 tablespoons liquid (milk, water, or broth)
   • Stir frequently until heated through (about 5-7 minutes)
   • Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese if desired
3. Oven Method (best for large portions):
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
   • Place in oven-safe dish and add 2-3 tablespoons liquid
   • Cover with foil
   • Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through

Safety Notes & Tips for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Food Safety

• Ground beef must reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)
• Use a food thermometer in the thickest part of the meat to verify temperature
• Do not leave finished dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours
• Always wash hands with soap and warm water after handling raw meat
• Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking

Cooking Tips for Success

• Cheese tip: Grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded for better melting
• Pasta water: Always save some pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process
• Rest time: Let the dish stand for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld
• Pan size matters: Use a pan large enough that ingredients aren’t crowded, which can cause steaming instead of browning

If you enjoy hearty ground beef dishes, you might also want to try this savory ground beef and potatoes recipe for another quick weeknight option.

Make Your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Your Own

This delicious ground beef and potatoes casserole inspired some of the techniques in this recipe, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Cooking should be fun and personal.

Try these quick customizations:

• Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth
• Stir in 1/4 cup cream cheese for extra creaminess
• Top with buttered breadcrumbs and broil for a crispy finish
• Mix in your favorite herbs like basil or thyme

Remember, the best recipes evolve with your family’s preferences. Make notes of what works for you and adjust next time!