Name: Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Penne Pasta: 12 oz penne pasta Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon Ground Beef: 1 pound Yellow Onion: 1 small, diced Garlic: 2 cloves, minced Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Salt: 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 oz) can Beef Broth: 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded Parsley: Chopped parsley for garnish

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If you’re craving a dinner that brings together cozy comfort and irresistible flavor, Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef is your golden ticket. This hearty, family-style pasta dish comes together in just thirty minutes yet tastes like you fussed all evening. Imagine perfectly cooked penne noodles tossed in a rich, savory meat sauce, lavished with bubbling cheeses, and finished with a scattering of fresh herbs. It’s the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table, forks clinking and smiles all around—the ultimate answer to “What’s for dinner?” when you want satisfaction and simplicity in one pan.

Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great food starts with great ingredients, and this Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef proves just how amazing dinner can be with the simplest kitchen staples. Each component plays an important role, from the perfect bite of pasta to the trio of irresistible cheeses and the savory, aromatic beef sauce.

Penne pasta: Holds the rich sauce in every nook and cranny and delivers the classic chewy bite.
Olive oil: Adds a luscious base for browning the beef and keeps everything from sticking.
Ground beef: The heart of the dish—provides big, savory flavor and satisfying protein.
Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and a bit of subtle crunch after sautéing.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and punchy taste.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that creates instant, classic Italian flavor notes throughout.
Salt: Essential for highlighting every other ingredient and balancing the richness.
Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and depth to each bite.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Turn up the heat to your liking; just a pinch adds lively zest.
Tomato sauce: Binds the sauce together with bright acidity and a smooth texture.
Beef broth: Makes the sauce extra savory and adds juicy, meaty depth.
Mozzarella cheese: Gives classic stringy melt and creamy mildness in every forkful.
Parmesan cheese: Delivers salty, nutty notes that take the cheesy factor up a notch.
Cheddar cheese: Adds boldness and a golden, gooey top layer you’ll swoon over.
Chopped parsley: A bright, fresh finish that livens up each plate with color and herbal aroma.

How to Make Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your penne until it’s just al dente—firm enough to hold up in the sauce, but cooked through. Drain the pasta and set it aside; you want those noodles waiting at the ready for the cheesy goodness to come.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then crumble in the ground beef. You’re aiming for deeply browned bits—let them develop flavor as the beef cooks through, breaking it all up with a spoon. If there’s a lot of excess grease, just drain it so your dish isn’t oily.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add your diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and your kitchen smells amazing. These classic veggies are the foundation of flavor here.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Give everything a good stir to evenly coat the beef, then pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Reduce the heat, and let the sauce gently simmer for five to seven minutes, melding flavors and thickening slightly.

Step 5: Toss in the Pasta and Melt the Cheeses

Add your cooked penne directly into the skillet. Stir until every noodle is coated in that rich, beefy sauce. Sprinkle in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring to let them melt luxuriously into the pasta, forming a luscious coating all around.

Step 6: Cheese Blanket Finale

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the pan, and keep the heat low. In just a couple of minutes, that final cheesy blanket will melt into a golden, gooey cap—get ready for some serious cheese pulls!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef with a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Now you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef

Garnishes

Top each plate with more chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for guests who like a zesty kick. Fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil also work beautifully for a restaurant-worthy touch.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette, or a big basket of warm garlic bread. For extra veggies, roasted broccoli or sauteed green beans are excellent companions that balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef family-style in a big skillet or casserole dish to create a sense of abundance at the table. For individual flair, ladle the pasta into small oven-safe bowls, sprinkle a little extra cheese, and broil briefly for gorgeous bubbly tops. You can even spoon the hot pasta into hollowed-out bell peppers for a creative twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef leftovers to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. It keeps happily in the fridge for up to three days, making it a fantastic candidate for lunch or no-fuss weeknight meals.

Freezing

You can freeze portions for up to two months! Just use a freezer-safe container and let your pasta thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Make sure to freeze before adding fresh parsley for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet on low, splashing in a bit of extra beef broth if needed to bring back that creamy, saucy consistency. Stir to evenly distribute the cheese, and refresh with a sprinkle of parsley just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne holds the sauce beautifully, any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or ziti will soak up the flavors of the Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef just as well. Use whatever you have on hand.

What cheeses work if I don’t have all three?

Feel free to mix and match! Mozzarella ensures the melt, cheddar gives richness and sharpness, and Parmesan adds salty complexity. Even if you only have one or two, your Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef will still be delicious—just use what’s stocked in your fridge.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or lean ground beef, and add extra veggies like sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to lighten things up. Using part-skim cheeses is another easy adjustment that keeps all the comfort.

Can I prepare Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef ahead of time?

Sure thing! Assemble the pasta and beef mixture, then keep it in the refrigerator before the final cheese melt. When ready to serve, top with cheddar and heat until bubbly for fresh, cheesy satisfaction.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef is generally a big hit with kids thanks to the familiar cheesy sauce and mild flavors. If your kids are spice-sensitive, just skip the red pepper flakes and you’ll have an instant family favorite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, satisfying meal that wins rave reviews night after night, put Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef on your must-cook list. It’s a comforting classic that never goes out of style, so gather your favorite people and dig into the goodness tonight!

Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef recipe. A hearty and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients

Penne Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

Olive Oil:

1 tablespoon

Ground Beef:

1 pound

Yellow Onion:

1 small, diced

Garlic:

2 cloves, minced

Italian Seasoning:

1 teaspoon

Salt:

1/2 teaspoon

Black Pepper:

1/4 teaspoon

Red Pepper Flakes (optional):

1/4 teaspoon

Tomato Sauce:

1 (15 oz) can

Beef Broth:

1/2 cup

Mozzarella Cheese:

1 cup, shredded

Parmesan Cheese:

1/2 cup, grated

Cheddar Cheese:

1 cup, shredded

Parsley:

Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Penne Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water per package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Sauce: Brown ground beef in a skillet with olive oil, then add onion, garlic, seasonings, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, mix with the sauce, and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted.
Finish and Serve: Top with cheddar cheese, cover to melt, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.