Cozy Cheesy Penne Ground Beef Pasta Recipe for Lazy Nights

When dinner calls for a hearty and mouthwatering cheesy penne ground beef pasta, this recipe stands ready to satisfy.

Comfort meets flavor in every single bite of this delectable dish.

Savory ground beef mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a robust and satisfying meal.

Melted cheese blankets the ingredients, adding a creamy richness that makes each forkful irresistible.

The combination of simple ingredients brings together a classic pasta experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight meals never looked so delicious and inviting.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation for those nights when only a warm, cheesy pasta will do.

Cheesy Penne Ground Beef Pasta Crowd-Pleaser

• This hearty pasta dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying hungry families and creating instant smiles around the dinner table.
• Flexible recipe allows quick substitutions like ground turkey or adding extra veggies, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.
• One-skillet wonder means less cleanup and faster cooking, transforming basic ingredients into a delicious meal without complicated techniques or professional chef skills.
• Rich, creamy texture and cheesy goodness make this pasta universally appealing for kids and adults, guaranteed to become a go-to weeknight dinner solution.

Cheesy Penne Ingredients at a Glance

• Penne Pasta: A classic tubular pasta that catches sauce perfectly in its ridges.
• Ground Beef: Provides rich protein and hearty flavor to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy base for the pasta sauce.

• Garlic, Onion: Add depth and foundational flavor to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a traditional herb blend that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle spicy kick.

• Beef Broth: Adds additional savory depth to the sauce.
• Butter: Helps create a smooth and rich sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese, Parsley: Optional garnishes that provide extra flavor and visual appeal.

Equipment List for Beefy Penne Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta, needs to be big enough to hold water and penne.
• Large skillet: Primary cooking surface for beef, sauce, and combining ingredients.
• Colander: Necessary for draining pasta after cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring beef and mixing ingredients in skillet.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate liquid measurements.
• Cheese grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese as optional garnish.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise ingredient preparation.

Stepwise Cheesy Penne Beef Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Toss in the penne pasta and cook until tender but still slightly firm.

Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns a deep brown and no pink remains.

Drain off any excess grease and transfer the beef to a separate plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt butter until it starts to bubble.

• Minced garlic
• Chopped onions

Cook until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Sauce

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.

• Heavy cream
• Beef broth

Whisk everything together and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Slide the cooked beef back into the skillet.

Add the drained pasta and gently toss until every piece is coated in the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving plates.

Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Secrets to Great Penne Beef Pasta

• Shake the colander gently after draining to remove excess water, preventing a watery sauce that can dilute the rich, creamy flavors.
• Opt for 85/15 or 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio to reduce grease while maintaining delicious beef flavor and tender texture.
• Keep the heat low and stir continuously when adding cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder to enhance the depth and complexity of the dish's savory profile.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for a quick 30-minute meal prep option.

Beefy Penne Pasta Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavor.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Substitute penne pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Cream Alternative: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and select dairy-free cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano to create a Greek-inspired pasta dish with Mediterranean flair.

Serving Up Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Rustic Italian Feast: Serve alongside warm garlic bread and a glass of red wine to elevate the dining experience with authentic flavors.
• Comfort Food Plate-up: Top with extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit more kick and richness.
• Leftover Magic: Store in an airtight container and enjoy as a quick lunch the next day, as the flavors will have intensified overnight.

Cheesy Penne Pasta Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta remains fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the dish will maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or beef broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can easily control the heat level. If you prefer a mild version, simply skip the red pepper flakes or use just a tiny pinch.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with similar tube-shaped pastas like rigatoni or ziti. These shapes hold the creamy sauce wonderfully.

• What if I want to make this healthier?

Try using lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lower-fat version. You can also substitute half the heavy cream with milk to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like browning meat and making a simple cream sauce. Anyone with minimal kitchen experience can successfully prepare this delicious meal.

Cheesy Penne Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent cheesy penne ground beef pasta recipe brings robust Italian-American comfort to dinner tables. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this hearty meal a satisfying choice you will crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta & Meat:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Sauce Base:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge penne pasta and cook until tender yet firm, following package guidelines. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame. Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking thoroughly until rich brown color develops. Eliminate excess grease and temporarily set meat aside.
3. Within the same skillet, gently melt butter, releasing its golden essence. Introduce minced garlic and diced onions, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
4. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes into the skillet. Stream heavy cream and beef broth, whisking vigorously to create a harmonious sauce. Allow mixture to simmer and slightly thicken over 3-5 minutes.
5. Reintroduce cooked ground beef into the creamy mixture, ensuring complete coating. Fold in cooked penne pasta, gently tossing until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
6. For an elegant presentation, crown the dish with freshly grated Parmesan or delicately chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot, capturing the dish’s rich, comforting flavors.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection Choose penne with ridges to help sauce cling better, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
• Fat Management When browning beef, use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease without sacrificing taste.
• Creamy Consistency Temper heavy cream slowly into the sauce to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, velvety texture.
• Dietary Adaptations Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences while keeping the dish’s rich, comforting essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 690
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg