Indulge in a Creamy, Cheesy Penne Feast: Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe 🍝🧀🧄
1. Introduction: Discover the Magic of Creamy Cheesy Penne
Welcome to a world where pasta dreams come true! If you crave the ultimate comfort food experience, our Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe is calling your name. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary journey that combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a velvety, rich cheese sauce and savory garlic butter ground beef. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish is guaranteed to win hearts and taste buds alike. Get ready to dive into creamy, cheesy, garlicky perfection!
Looking for more dinner inspiration? Check out our dinner recipes!

2. Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Your Cheesy Penne Masterpiece
Here’s what you need to create this incredible Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef:
- 8 oz penne pasta – The star of our show!
- 1 lb ground beef – For that savory, hearty flavor
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – The aromatic punch we all love
- 1 cup heavy cream – To create the luscious, creamy texture
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds a sharp, cheesy bite
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For a nutty, umami depth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – To enrich the sauce and beef
- Salt and pepper to taste – Seasoning is key!
- Chopped parsley for garnish – A fresh, vibrant finish
3. Cooking Instructions: Step-by-Step to Cheesy Penne Bliss
Follow these simple steps to create your Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef:
Step 1: Boil the Penne – Al Dente Perfection
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, aiming for that perfect *al dente* texture. Nobody likes mushy pasta!
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Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef – Garlic Butter Goodness
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen – don’t let it burn! Next, add the ground beef, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. As it cooks, break it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking and a nice texture.
Want to try your hand at baking? Check out our homemade flaky croissants recipe!
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce – Creamy Dream
Once the penne is perfectly cooked and the beef is browned to perfection, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in both the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Let the cheeses melt slowly and meld together with the cream, creating a luscious, decadent sauce. Then, gently fold in the cooked penne, ensuring that every single piece is generously coated with that irresistible cheese sauce.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy – Cheesy Penne Heaven
With everything beautifully combined, serve your Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This dish is divine on its own, but it pairs exceptionally well with a side of crusty garlic bread and a refreshing salad. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, it’s simply irresistible!
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4. Storage Tips: Keeping Your Cheesy Penne Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the Creamy Cheesy Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to its original creamy glory.
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5. Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Penne
This Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Garlic bread: A classic pairing that never fails.
- Fresh Caesar salad: The crisp, refreshing salad balances the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed vegetables: A healthier option, providing a lovely contrast in texture and flavor.
If you need some inspiration for your side dishes maybe one of our salad recipes or soup recipes will do.
6. FAQs: Your Cheesy Penne Questions Answered
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta for this cheesy ground beef penne recipe?
A1: Absolutely! While penne is our go-to choice, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even classic macaroni. The key is to choose a shape that holds the creamy sauce well.
Q2: Can I prepare this creamy ground beef penne recipe ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! Preparing the beef and cheese sauce in advance is a great time-saver. Just store them separately and combine with the cooked pasta right before serving. This is perfect for meal prepping!
Q3: Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this cheesy garlic penne recipe?
A3: Certainly! To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. You’ll still get that hearty, savory flavor without the meat.
We have different types of recipes that you would like, for example chicken recipes
7. Nutritional Information: A Balanced Indulgence
Our Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is undoubtedly a comfort food indulgence, so it’s wise to be mindful of the creamy sauce and cheese content, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. Feel free to adjust the amounts of cheese and cream to suit your dietary needs and preferences. You can also use a lower-fat cream cheese or milk to lighten it up!
8. Variations: Spice Up Your Cheesy Penne Game
Looking to add a twist to your Creamy Cheesy Penne? Consider these delicious variations:
- Spinach or kale: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale for added nutrients and a pop of color.
- Sundried tomatoes: Add sundried tomatoes for a tangy, Mediterranean flair.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat that will awaken your taste buds.
And for a delicious end to your meal, don’t miss our amazing dessert recipes!
9. Conclusion: Your New Favorite Creamy Cheesy Penne Recipe Awaits
This Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that will fill your kitchen with the most delightful aromas and leave everyone craving more. So go ahead, give it a try, and savor the savory satisfaction that comes with every single bite. Trust us; your family will be begging for seconds—maybe even thirds! Happy cooking, and bon appétit! 🍽️😊
If you like this kind of recipes have a look at our breakfast recipes, we have a lot kind of meals to cook!
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Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Meat-based
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, a delectable pasta dish that blends al dente penne with a rich cheese sauce and savory garlic butter beef. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, sauté minced garlic for a minute, then add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted, then fold in the cooked penne, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, and enjoy with garlic bread and salad!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.
- Substitute penne with other pasta types like rigatoni or fusilli.
- Add spinach or sundried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting beef with lentils or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian