Irresistible Cheesy Penne Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Cheesy Penne Ground Beef Pasta is the comfort food of your dreams. Picture perfectly cooked penne, tender ground beef cloaked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, and a sprinkle of herbs that dance on your taste buds. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly evening, the kind that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas and your heart with joy.

I remember the first time I made this cheesy wonder for my friends. They walked in, and you could almost hear their stomachs growling in unison. The laughter, compliments, and requests for seconds made it clear: this dish was winning hearts, one cheesy bite at a time.

I once served this dish at a potluck. Everyone devoured it like they hadn’t eaten in days!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Penne Pasta: Opt for whole wheat or regular penne; both hold the sauce beautifully.

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease but still lots of flavors.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop finely to help it cook evenly.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give the best aroma; mince them for maximum flavor impact.

• Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a richer taste; feel free to mix with mozzarella for creaminess.

• Heavy Cream: This enriches the sauce; don’t skimp—your taste buds will thank you later!

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth; use fresh if available for more vibrant flavors.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those delicious flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cheesy Penne Ground Beef Pasta

Cook the Penne Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot over high heat. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil. Once hot, toss in chopped onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.

Add Ground Beef: Push the onions aside and add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned while breaking it up with a spatula—this should take about 5-7 minutes.

Create the Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth; season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Toss Everything Together: Combine cooked penne pasta with the cheese sauce mixture in the skillet. Stir thoroughly until everything is well-coated in creamy goodness—about 2 minutes.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta into an oven-safe dish, sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired, then bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Now you have an irresistible Cheesy Penne Ground Beef Pasta ready to impress! Just keep an eye on those golden edges while baking—it’s hard not to sneak bites before serving! Enjoy every cheesy forkful as you bask in culinary glory.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef, then cook the pasta until al dente while preparing the cheesy sauce. This sequence keeps everything hot and ready for a delightful mix.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach and bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Spice it up with your favorite herbs too!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to maintain that creamy consistency.

The first time I made Cheesy Penne Ground Beef Pasta, my friends devoured it in minutes! They still ask me to make it for every gathering—a true testament to its deliciousness.

FAQ

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape works well, just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers; just ensure it’s adequately sealed.

What cheese works best for this dish?

A blend of mozzarella and cheddar gives a deliciously creamy texture.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Cheesy Penne Ground Beef Pasta

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy Penne Ground Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that combines tender penne pasta with savory ground beef in a luscious cheese sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or potlucks, offering a deliciously creamy flavor that will please everyone at the table. With easy preparation and the option to customize with your favorite veggies, this recipe guarantees satisfaction in just one dish!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until softened.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned while breaking it apart.
4. Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream, and gradually add cheddar cheese until melted. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine cooked penne with the cheese sauce in the skillet, stirring until well-coated.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer pasta to an oven-safe dish. Top with extra cheese if desired and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg