5 Secret Tips for Perfect Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Quick Facts:

Ready in just 35 minutes – perfect for busy weeknight dinners
Creates a rich, creamy sauce without heavy cream
Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have
Makes 4 generous servings of pure comfort food

Ever tried making a pasta dish that turns out dry or clumpy? This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef solves that problem. The sauce stays silky and the pasta perfectly coated, giving you restaurant-quality results at home.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Kitchen Equipment

Large pot for pasta (at least 6-quart capacity)
Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch diameter recommended)
Colander for draining pasta
Measuring cups (both dry and liquid measures)
Measuring spoons
Sharp chef’s knife
Cutting board
Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
Timer
Kitchen thermometer (for checking meat temperature)
Large bowl (for setting aside cooked pasta if needed)

Ingredients

1 pound penne pasta (1 standard box)
1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 fat content)
6 tablespoons butter, divided (keep cold until needed)
6 cloves garlic (about 2 tablespoons when minced)
1 small onion (about 1 cup when chopped)
2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (pre-shredded or fresh)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (fresh grated preferred)
Salt (1 tablespoon for pasta water, plus more to taste)
Black pepper (fresh ground preferred)
Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Beginners

Initial Setup (5 minutes)

Place your cutting board on a stable, clean surface
Take out all ingredients and equipment
Let butter come to room temperature
Clear space near stove for your tools

Ingredient Preparation (5-7 minutes)

Prepare Garlic:

Peel all 6 garlic cloves
Place flat side of knife on each clove and press firmly to crush
Mince crushed garlic into very small pieces
Set aside in small bowl

Prepare Onion:

Cut off both ends of onion
Cut in half from top to bottom
Peel off outer skin
Place flat side down and slice into thin strips
Turn and cut across strips to create small pieces
Set aside in separate bowl

Prepare Cheese:

If using block mozzarella, shred now
Measure both cheeses into separate bowls
Keep at room temperature

Cooking Pasta (12-15 minutes)

Prepare Water:

Fill large pot 2/3 full with cold water
Place on stove over high heat
Cover with lid to boil faster
Wait for large bubbles to break surface (about 8-10 minutes)

Cook Pasta:

Add 1 tablespoon salt to boiling water
Pour in entire box of penne
Stir immediately with wooden spoon
Set timer for 11 minutes (or time on package)
Stir every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking
Test one piece at timer
Pasta should be firm but not hard (al dente)

Drain Pasta:

Place colander in clean sink
Before draining, scoop out 1 cup pasta water
Carefully pour pasta into colander
Give gentle shake to remove excess water
Don’t rinse!

Preparing Garlic Butter Beef (10-12 minutes)

Start the Base:

Place large skillet on stove over medium heat
Add 3 tablespoons butter
Wait until butter melts completely (1-2 minutes)
Add minced garlic and chopped onion
Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes
Onions should become clear and soft

Cook the Beef:

Add ground beef to pan
Break into small pieces with wooden spoon
Spread meat evenly in pan
Cook 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally
Break up any large chunks
Meat should be brown with no pink spots
Check temperature reaches 160°F (71°C)

Making the Sauce (8-10 minutes)

Create Base Sauce:

Pour beef broth into pan with cooked meat
Stir to combine
Bring to gentle bubbling
Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter
Stir until butter melts completely

Combine with Pasta:

Add cooked pasta to pan
Stir gently to coat all pasta with sauce
Cook 1-2 minutes to heat through

Add Cheese:

Reduce heat to low
Add 1/3 of mozzarella
Stir until melted
Repeat with remaining mozzarella
Add all parmesan cheese
Stir constantly until smooth
If too thick, add reserved pasta water
Start with 2 tablespoons, add more if needed

Final Steps (2-3 minutes)

Season:

Taste sauce
Add salt and pepper as needed
Start with 1/4 teaspoon each
Stir and taste again

Serve:

Turn off heat
Let stand 2 minutes
Spoon into bowls
Top with chopped parsley if using
Serve immediately while hot

Cheesy Penne With Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipes With Ground Beef

Troubleshooting

Sauce too thick? Add reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time
Sauce too thin? Simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce
Cheese clumping? Remove pan from heat and stir constantly until smooth
Pasta sticking? Ensure you’re using enough water when boiling and stir occasionally
Garlic browning too fast? Lower heat immediately and add onions
Meat not browning well? Cook in smaller batches or use higher heat

Variations & Substitutions

Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat
Swap mozzarella for cheddar or provolone
Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables
Use gluten-free penne for dietary restrictions
Try Italian sausage instead of ground beef

Storage & Reheating

Cool completely before storing
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat in microwave with 1-2 tablespoons milk or broth
Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each
Can freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe container
Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating

Safety Notes & Tips

Always wash hands before and after handling raw meat
Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables
Check ground beef temperature reaches 160°F (71°C)
Don’t leave cheese sauce at room temperature for over 2 hours
Use oven mitts when handling hot pans and straining pasta
Keep pot handles turned inward on stove
Never leave cooking food unattended
Have a kitchen fire extinguisher nearby

Remember: Take your time with each step. Good cooking isn’t about speed – it’s about attention to detail and enjoying the process. Your patience will be rewarded with a delicious, restaurant-quality meal.