why make this recipe
Cheesy Beef Penne is a dish that brings comfort to your table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This recipe is great for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The combination of ground beef, pasta, and cheese makes it a hit for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s simple to make, so you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen!
how to make Cheesy Beef Penne
Ingredients :
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions :
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne until al dente. Don’t forget to save 1/2 cup of that pasta water before draining!
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned.
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking until they’re softened and aromatic.
- Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, mixing it all well.
- Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes, letting all those flavors meld together.
- Gradually stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked penne to the cheesy mixture, tossing gently to fully coat each piece.
- If the sauce seems a bit thick, add some reserved pasta water until you achieve that silky texture.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving hot!
how to serve Cheesy Beef Penne
Serve Cheesy Beef Penne hot, and make sure to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. This dish goes well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also great for leftovers, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch!
how to store Cheesy Beef Penne
To store Cheesy Beef Penne, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make Cheesy Beef Penne
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- If you want extra flavor, consider adding some chopped mushrooms or spinach to the beef mixture.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning the sauce.
variation (if any)
You can easily customize this recipe by using different types of pasta, like rotini or fusilli. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy twist, or using low-fat cream to make it a bit healthier.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the penne and combine everything before serving.
Can I use spaghetti instead of penne?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you like will work in this recipe.
Is it okay to use frozen ground beef?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even browning.
Cheesy Beef Penne
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta as alternatives.
Meat & Veggies
- 1 lb ground beef Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter option.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter option, use low-fat cream.
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne until al dente. Don’t forget to save 1/2 cup of that pasta water before draining!
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned.
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking until they’re softened and aromatic.
- Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cooking
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, mixing it all well.
- Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes, letting all those flavors meld together.
- Gradually stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Final Steps
- Add the cooked penne to the cheesy mixture, tossing gently to fully coat each piece.
- If the sauce seems a bit thick, add some reserved pasta water until you achieve that silky texture.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving hot!