Name: Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio); 3 tablespoons unsalted 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

This Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef is a comforting, creamy pasta dish that combines tender penne, savory ground beef, and a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns simple pantry staples into a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the ridged penne, and the browned ground beef adds a hearty depth. It’s a versatile dish that I can easily customize with additional ingredients like mushrooms or bell peppers when I have them on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
3 tablespoons unsalted 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

Directions

Cook the Penne Pasta: I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the penne pasta, and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. I reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat, add the ground beef, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. I break the beef into large chunks and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If I want a bit of heat, I add red pepper flakes. Once cooked, I remove the beef and set it aside.
Sauté Garlic and Onion: In the same skillet, I add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce: I add the heavy cream and beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. I bring it to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Then, I stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
Combine Beef and Pasta: I return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stir to combine with the sauce, and add the cooked penne pasta. I toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve: I transfer the cheesy penne with ground beef to serving dishes, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: I replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, like lentils or mushrooms.
Spicy Kick: I add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Extra Veggies: I stir in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the garlic and onion.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

I use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

I can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter as a lighter alternative.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, I let it cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. I thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

I add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its rich, creamy sauce and hearty beef make it a family favorite that I can whip up in no time.