why make this recipe
Cheesy Beef Penne is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the whole family together. It combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. You can easily prepare this meal on a busy weeknight, making it an ideal choice for dinner. Not only is it quick to whip up, but it is also filling and satisfying. Plus, who doesn’t love cheesy pasta?
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:
- Start off by cooking the penne in a large pot of boiling salted water until it’s al dente. Make sure to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Toss in the ground beef, cooking until it’s beautifully browned and nice and crumbly.
- Next, add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until they soften up and fill your kitchen with amazing aromas.
- Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds—it’s all about that flavor!
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until everything is perfectly melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked penne into the saucy goodness and toss until it’s all coated in that luscious cheese sauce.
- If the sauce needs a little extra creaminess, add a splash of pasta water to make it silky smooth.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
how to serve Cheesy Beef Penne
Cheesy Beef Penne is best served hot. You can plate it in individual bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a nice touch. If you want, pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal.
how to store Cheesy Beef Penne
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may want to add a splash of cream or beef broth to help restore the creaminess.
tips to make Cheesy Beef Penne
- Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente to avoid it getting mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Don’t rush the simmering step; letting the flavors blend really enhances the dish.
- Make sure to stir the cheese in slowly to keep the sauce smooth and prevent clumping.
variation
You can customize Cheesy Beef Penne by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the mix for extra nutrients. If you prefer a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s a great option for meal prep. Just store it in individual portions for easy reheating throughout the week.
Can I freeze Cheesy Beef Penne?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat.
Cheesy Beef Penne
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz penne pasta Cook until al dente
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for best results
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream For creaminess
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For flavor and creaminess
- 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 For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the penne in a large pot of boiling salted water until it’s al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, cooking until it’s browned and crumbly.
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Cooking
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Simmer the mixture for about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked penne and toss to coat in the cheese sauce.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for extra creaminess.
Serving
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve hot.