If you’re looking for a warm, hearty, and ultra-cheesy pasta dish, this Cheesy Ground Beef Penne Pasta is the perfect go-to meal. With tender penne, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, this dish packs bold Italian flavors in every bite.
It’s quick, easy, and made with pantry staples, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option for busy families. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just craving a comforting bowl of cheesy pasta, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Simplicity – Everything comes together quickly and easily with minimal cleanup.
- Cheesy & Comforting – Melted mozzarella makes every bite deliciously gooey.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
- Quick to Make – Ready in 30 minutes or less, perfect for busy nights.
- Family-Approved – A kid-friendly dish that even picky eaters will love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4-6 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, I add 2 cups of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Then, I drain the pasta and set it aside.
(Pro Tip: Save ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later!)
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s fully browned.
Once cooked, I drain excess fat to keep the dish from being too greasy.
3. Add Marinara Sauce & Seasoning
Next, I pour in 1 cup of marinara sauce and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning.
I let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
(Pro Tip: For a richer sauce, add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes!)
4. Combine with the Pasta
I add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, stirring until every piece is coated in the flavorful sauce.
5. Add the Cheese
Now for the best part—cheese!
I sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top, then cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt.
(Pro Tip: Want extra cheesiness? Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese before adding the mozzarella!)
6. Taste & Adjust Seasoning
I give the pasta a quick taste test, adding salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
Now, it’s time to scoop generous portions onto plates and dig in.
For extra flair, I like to garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with garlic bread!
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
- Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce – A good sauce makes a huge difference! If using store-bought, go for a high-quality brand.
- Want More Flavor? – Sauté chopped onions and garlic before adding the ground beef.
- For a Creamier Version – Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream with the marinara sauce.
- Need a Spicier Kick? – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Try Different Cheeses – Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or a mix of Italian cheeses!
What to Serve with Cheesy Beef Penne Pasta
This hearty dish pairs well with:
- Garlic Bread – The perfect side for soaking up all that extra sauce!
- Caesar Salad – A fresh and crisp salad balances the richness.
- Steamed Vegetables – Try broccoli, green beans, or roasted zucchini.
- A Glass of Red Wine – If serving for adults, a light red like Chianti or Merlot complements this dish beautifully.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Absolutely! Rotini, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta all work great in this dish.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra marinara sauce.
Q: Can I make this a one-pot dish?
A: Yes! Instead of boiling the pasta separately, add uncooked penne and 2 cups of broth directly into the skillet after browning the beef. Cover and let it simmer until the pasta is tender.
Why You Need to Try This Cheesy Beef Pasta
This Cheesy Ground Beef Penne Pasta is:
✅ A Quick & Easy Dinner Solution – Perfect for busy weeknights.
✅ Cheesy & Flavorful – Every bite is rich, hearty, and comforting.
✅ Made with Simple Ingredients – No fancy ingredients—just pantry staples!
✅ Loved by the Whole Family – A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
If you love a simple yet satisfying pasta dish, this cheesy beef penne pasta will become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite go-to pasta dish? Drop a comment below! 🍝🧀✨
Cheesy Ground Beef Penne Pasta: A Quick & Comforting Dinner Classic
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix well to combine.
- Top the pasta mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet and let it cook on low heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
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