Cheesy Penne Garlic Butter Beef
This creamy, cheesy penne dish features savory ground beef, garlic butter sauce, and melty mozzarella — a 30-minute comfort food classic that’s perfect for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
340 g penne pasta
450 g ground beef
45 g unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
120 ml beef broth
120 ml heavy cream
170 g shredded mozzarella cheese
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the Beef:
Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Season & Simmer:
Season with onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in beef broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Cheese:
Lower heat. Add mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
Combine with Pasta:
Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss until pasta is fully coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Reserve a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrition.
Great as leftovers — just reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Find it online: https://elladishes.com/cheesy-penne-garlic-butter-beef/
