Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef

This rich cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef brings comfort to any weeknight table The creamy sauce clings to each piece of pasta savory with beef and enveloped in melting mozzarella It is a dish that satisfies picky eaters and anyone craving something cozy After making this for a spontaneous family dinner I watched everyone reach for seconds and even the leftovers disappeared by the next day

I whipped up a pan of this on a winter evening when I had ground beef and a wedge of Parmesan left Before I knew it the whole house smelled like garlic and buttery goodness Now my partner asks for it every other week

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: brings a chewy base and holds onto the sauce I always look for bronze-cut for better sauce adhesion
• Olive oil: helps the beef brown evenly and adds subtle richness Choose extra virgin for the best flavor
• Ground beef: delivers savory flavor and heartiness Opt for beef with some fat for the most tender result
• Fresh garlic: creates a pronounced garlicky taste Use firm cloves for more flavor
• Garlic powder: deepens the flavor without overpowering Always check your jar is fresh for best taste
• Onion powder: adds a background sweetness and rounds everything out
• Crushed red pepper flakes: bring gentle heat Add more or less to suit your spice preference
• Black pepper: gives depth and earthiness Freshly ground pepper makes a difference here
• Salt: draws out flavor in the beef and balances the creamy sauce Use kosher salt for consistency
• Unsalted butter: melts into the beef and builds the sauce Look for European-style for extra richness
• Heavy cream: is the magic behind the creamy sauce Check the label for fresh cream with no additives
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: provides gooey melt and stretch Buy a block and shred it yourself for smooth melting
• Grated Parmesan cheese: sharpens the entire dish Use real Parmigiano-Reggiano for the richest taste
• Fresh parsley: brightens the whole plate and cuts the richness Choose flat-leaf for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of well salted water to a rolling boil Drop in the penne and stir to prevent sticking Cook until perfectly al dente usually around eleven minutes so the pasta holds up in the sauce Drain and reserve some cooking water to help finish the sauce

Brown the Beef:

While pasta cooks heat olive oil in a roomy skillet until it shimmers Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon Press the beef into the pan to get some caramelization This takes about seven minutes and the beef should be deeply browned with no pink left

Add Aromatics:

Toss in the minced garlic once the beef has browned Stir constantly so the garlic does not scorch Let it cook for two minutes to release all its aroma and blend right into the beef

Spice the Beef:

Scatter garlic powder onion powder crushed red pepper black pepper and salt over the beef mixture Stir well so every bite is seasoned Let the spices toast for a minute in the hot pan so the flavors bloom

Melt the Butter:

Turn the heat lower and drop in the unsalted butter Let it melt fully and stir so it emulsifies with the beef and seasonings This is what makes the sauce so luscious

Make the Cream Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and combine with the beef Let it come to a very gentle simmer and cook for about four minutes The sauce will begin to thicken and coat a spoon

Melt the Cheeses:

Add shredded mozzarella bit by bit stirring to melt completely You want a uniform creamy texture with no clumps Sprinkle in Parmesan and keep stirring until everything is smooth and glossy

Adjust Consistency:

If the cheese sauce thickens too much drizzle in some reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time It should cling to the pasta but still flow easily

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the drained penne right to the skillet Toss everything gently so every piece of pasta is enveloped in sauce

Finish and Serve:

Remove from the heat Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a green finish Spoon into bowls while hot and grate over extra Parmesan if you like

Pin it

My favorite part is stirring in the fresh parsley at the end It lifts everything with a hint of green flavor Once my niece insisted on adding more and now it just does not feel finished without that bright pop

Storage Tips

Keep any extra pasta covered in the fridge for up to four days When reheating add a splash of milk or water and rewarm slowly on the stove or in the microwave This keeps the sauce from separating and the pasta from drying out I often divide leftovers into individual bowls making quick work lunches

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in ground turkey or Italian sausage if you are out of beef For a lighter version try half and half instead of heavy cream or skip mozzarella and double the Parmesan If you need gluten free penne it holds up just as well Make sure to check cheese labels if cooking for someone gluten sensitive

Serving Suggestions

A simple side salad with sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness I sometimes serve this with roasted broccoli or garlic bread for a fuller meal The pasta stands alone but a crisp green on the side brings color and balance

Cultural Context

Dishes like this take a cue from Italian American comfort food traditions where pasta and cheese provide a backbone for family meals Blending garlic buttery sauces and time saving ingredients was a classic move in busy home kitchens in my childhood Italian friends always told me that a dish is not done without that last handful of parsley

Pin it

I always keep mozzarella and Parmesan in the fridge for just this sort of comfort meal Sometimes a little planning and great pantry staples really do bring family together around the table

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make the sauce creamier?

Add extra heavy cream or increase the mozzarella for a richer, silkier pasta sauce.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options for varied taste and texture.

→ How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming too thick?

Mix in reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

→ Is it possible to use a different pasta shape?

Most short pastas like rigatoni or fusilli work well and hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider sautéing onions, adding sun-dried tomatoes, or increasing crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.