If you are looking for a comforting one-pan-style dinner packed with beef, pasta, vegetables, and melted cheese, this Cheesy Beef & Broccoli Penne Skillet is a perfect choice. Tender penne pasta is tossed with seasoned ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, garlic, a creamy savory sauce, cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a hearty meal that comes together with familiar ingredients.
The combination of beef and broccoli gives this skillet plenty of substance, while the cheese sauce makes everything rich and comforting without turning the dish overly heavy. The broccoli adds freshness and texture, the beef brings deep savory flavor, and the penne holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, or whenever you want something easy, cheesy, and satisfying without making several separate dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef & Broccoli Penne Skillet
It combines pasta, beef, vegetables, and cheese in one complete meal.
Ground beef cooks quickly and makes the recipe easy for weeknights.
Broccoli adds color, texture, and freshness.
Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a rich, melty sauce.
Penne works especially well because the ridges and hollow centers catch the sauce.
The recipe is easy to customize with mushrooms, bacon, spinach, different cheeses, or a spicy kick.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt for the pasta water
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
For the Beef
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
For the Broccoli
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-Ins
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup crispy crumbled bacon
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup diced roasted red peppers
- ½ cup frozen peas
For Garnishing
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan
- Cracked black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, optional
How to Make Cheesy Beef & Broccoli Penne Skillet
1. Bring the Pasta Water to a Boil
Fill a large pot with water.
Add salt and bring to a rolling boil.
2. Cook the Penne
Add the penne.
Cook until 1–2 minutes shy of fully al dente according to the package directions.
The pasta will finish cooking in the skillet.
3. Reserve Pasta Water
Before draining, reserve approximately 1 cup pasta water.
This can be used later to loosen the sauce.
4. Drain the Pasta
Drain the penne.
Do not rinse.
Set aside.
Prepare the Broccoli
5. Cut the Broccoli
Cut the florets into small, evenly sized pieces.
6. Heat the Skillet
Place a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 1 teaspoon olive oil.
7. Add the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets.
Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
8. Cook Until Crisp-Tender
Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add 2–3 tablespoons water and cover for 1–2 minutes if needed to help steam the centers.
9. Remove the Broccoli
Transfer the broccoli to a plate.
Set aside.
Do not overcook it because it will return to the skillet later.
Cook the Beef
10. Add the Ground Beef
Return the skillet to medium-high heat.
Add olive oil only if the pan seems dry.
Add the ground beef.
11. Break It Apart
Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into small crumbles.
12. Add the Onion
Add the diced onion.
13. Season
Add:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning
14. Brown the Beef
Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
Ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C).
15. Drain Excess Grease
If the beef released a lot of fat, carefully drain most of it.
Leave a small amount behind for flavor.
16. Add Fresh Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic.
Cook for approximately 30 seconds.
17. Add Worcestershire
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.
18. Add Dijon
Add the Dijon mustard.
Stir well.
19. Remove the Beef Temporarily
Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl or plate.
Set aside while you make the sauce.
Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
20. Lower the Heat
Reduce the skillet heat to medium.
21. Add Butter
Add the butter.
Let it melt.
22. Add Flour
Sprinkle in the flour.
Whisk continuously for approximately 1 minute.
This removes the raw flour taste.
23. Add Beef Broth
Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking.
24. Add Milk
Pour in the milk.
Whisk until smooth.
25. Add Heavy Cream
Add the heavy cream.
26. Add Seasonings
Stir in:
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper
27. Simmer Gently
Cook over medium-low heat for approximately 3–5 minutes.
The sauce should begin to thicken.
28. Reduce the Heat
Turn the heat to low.
29. Add Cheddar
Add the cheddar gradually, stirring after each addition.
30. Add Mozzarella
Stir in the mozzarella.
31. Add Parmesan
Add the Parmesan.
Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
32. Check the Consistency
The sauce should be creamy and slightly loose.
If it seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Bring Everything Together
33. Return the Beef
Add the seasoned beef mixture back to the skillet.
Stir to coat it in the cheese sauce.
34. Add the Penne
Add the cooked penne.
35. Toss Thoroughly
Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
36. Add the Broccoli
Fold the broccoli into the skillet.
37. Add Pasta Water if Needed
Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
38. Finish Cooking
Cook over low heat for approximately 2–3 minutes.
This allows the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
39. Taste and Adjust
Taste the skillet.
Adjust with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Parmesan
- Red pepper flakes
40. Add Extra Cheese
If desired, sprinkle another ½ cup cheddar or mozzarella over the top.
41. Melt the Cheese
Cover the skillet for approximately 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
42. Garnish
Finish with:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan
- Black pepper
43. Serve
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
What to Serve With Cheesy Beef & Broccoli Penne Skillet
This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own.
For a larger meal, pair it with:
- Garlic bread
- Cheesy garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Caesar salad
- Garden salad
- Tomato cucumber salad
For additional vegetables, try:
- Roasted asparagus
- Green beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Roasted zucchini
Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef & Broccoli Penne Skillet
Cook the Pasta Slightly Under
The penne will continue cooking in the sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water
The starchy water helps loosen the sauce without making it watery.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
Crisp-tender broccoli gives the finished skillet better texture.
Brown the Beef Properly
Let the beef develop some color instead of constantly stirring.
Drain Excess Grease
Too much beef fat can make the cheese sauce oily.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly.
Add Cheese Over Low Heat
High heat can make cheese sauce grainy or oily.
Keep the Sauce Slightly Loose
The pasta continues absorbing liquid as it sits.
Easy Recipe Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger Penne
Add ½ cup crispy bacon and increase the cheddar.
Mushroom Beef Penne
Brown 8 ounces sliced mushrooms before cooking the beef.
Spicy Beef & Broccoli Penne
Add:
- Red pepper flakes
- Cayenne
- Pepper Jack cheese
Garlic Parmesan Beef Penne
Increase the garlic and Parmesan while reducing some of the cheddar.
Three-Cheese Beef Penne
Use:
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Monterey Jack
- Parmesan
Spinach Beef Penne
Add 2 cups baby spinach at the end and cook until just wilted.
Philly Cheesesteak-Style Penne
Add:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Green bell pepper
- Onion
- Provolone
Cajun Beef Penne
Replace the Italian seasoning and paprika with Cajun seasoning.
Baked Casserole Version
You can turn this skillet into a baked pasta casserole.
Prepare the recipe as directed but keep the sauce slightly looser.
Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top with:
- 1 cup mozzarella
- ½ cup cheddar
- ¼ cup Parmesan
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15–20 minutes until bubbling.
Broil for 1–2 minutes if you want a golden cheese top.
Let rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can cook the beef and broccoli up to 1 day ahead.
Store separately in the refrigerator.
For the best texture, cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce shortly before serving.
If preparing the entire skillet ahead, keep the sauce slightly looser because the pasta will absorb more liquid as it rests.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool.
Transfer to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating on the Stovetop
Place leftovers in a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of:
- Milk
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
Stir gently until creamy and hot.
Reheating in the Microwave
Microwave individual portions in short intervals.
Stir between intervals and add a splash of milk if needed.
Reheating in the Oven
Place in a covered baking dish.
Reheat at 325°F (165°C) until hot.
Freezing
This pasta can be frozen, although cheese sauces may become slightly less smooth after thawing.
For best quality, freeze in airtight containers for up to approximately 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Rigatoni, rotini, bow-tie pasta, shells, or ziti all work well.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw it first and remove excess moisture before adding.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Cook ground turkey to 165°F (74°C).
Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
The heat may have been too high when the cheese was added. Reduce the heat before stirring in the cheese.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes. Replace it with additional whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly lighter.
Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely. Brown mushrooms before cooking the beef for the best flavor.
How do I keep the pasta creamy when reheating?
Add a splash of milk, broth, or cream before reheating gently.
Can I bake this after making it?
Yes. Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until hot and bubbling.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef & Broccoli Penne Skillet combines savory ground beef, tender penne, crisp broccoli, garlic, cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan in one creamy, satisfying family dinner.
The key is keeping the pasta slightly undercooked before it enters the skillet, cooking the broccoli only until crisp-tender, and adding the cheeses over low heat so the sauce stays smooth and creamy.
Serve it straight from the skillet with garlic bread or a fresh salad for an easy comfort-food dinner packed with beef, vegetables, pasta, and plenty of melted cheese.