This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines tender penne, savory ground beef, and rich, garlicky butter sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4-6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American, Italian
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup beef broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add Garlic and Seasoning: Push the beef to one side and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Beef: Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss it with the garlic butter beef and sauce until fully coated.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of crushed garlic in step 3.