Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner is the kind of hearty, feel-good meal you’ll come back to again and again whenever you crave something comforting, speedy, and full of flavor. Tender penne pasta, rich ground beef, and tangy tomato sauce all come together under a gloriously melty blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese—ready in just 30 minutes! Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this one-skillet wonder is guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You truly don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, just a handful of pantry and fridge staples that each play a crucial role. From the perfect bite of al dente penne pasta to that irresistible cheesy finish, every ingredient adds depth, richness, and color to your Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Firm and tubular, penne holds onto the sauce beautifully for every satisfying bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Gives a silky start to sautéing your aromatics and helps brown the beef evenly.
- 1 pound ground beef: The centerpiece of the dish; use 80/20 for best flavor and juiciness.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth to both the sauce and the ground beef.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings that unmistakable hint of warmth and aroma to the base.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses classic herbs like oregano and basil, making the sauce truly crave-worthy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brightens up every bite and balances the richness of meat and cheese.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a touch gives gentle heat and rounds out the savory notes.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Becomes the comforting, tangy backbone of the cheesy skillet sauce.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Adds a layer of savory depth and keeps everything saucy and moist.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Creamy and slightly tangy, it melts into the sauce for a luscious texture.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The main event for that gooey, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and a little sharp, it balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): A fresh, pretty finishing touch that adds color and brightness.
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner
Step 1: Boil the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your penne pasta and cook it until just al dente—tender but still with a bit of bite—according to your package directions. This step is key because perfectly cooked pasta will soak up the flavorful sauce later. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Grab your favorite large skillet and drizzle in the olive oil, heating it over medium heat. Add your diced onion and let it gently cook for three to four minutes, stirring until soft and fragrant. Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just until it’s lovely and aromatic but not browned. Now, add the ground beef and break it up with your spoon as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. Don’t forget to carefully drain off any excess fat so your sauce isn’t greasy.
Step 3: Season and Simmer the Sauce
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly over the browned beef. Stir in the tomato sauce and beef broth, making sure everything’s well combined. Lower the heat a touch and let the sauce simmer gently for five to seven minutes. This is where the flavors start melding together, and the sauce thickens slightly for maximum richness.
Step 4: Add Sour Cream for Creaminess
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. You’ll notice the sauce take on a creamy, velvety texture that transforms the dish from a simple pasta bake into something truly cozy and inviting.
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
Add the cooked penne pasta right into the skillet with the beef sauce. Stir everything together so every noodle is coated in the luscious, meaty sauce. This step is where Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner really starts to shine.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the top, cover the skillet with a lid, and let everything warm gently for two to three minutes. When you lift the lid, you’ll be greeted by a bubbling, cheesy blanket—absolutely irresistible!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you’d like, shower the top with freshly chopped parsley for pops of color and herby brightness. Serve piping hot and enjoy every gloriously cheesy forkful.
How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley instantly lifts up the whole dish with freshness. You can also top each serving with a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese, a touch of crushed red pepper for gentle heat, or even a light drizzle of olive oil for some sheen. These finishing touches make your Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner look extra inviting and pack in even more flavor.
Side Dishes
This cheesy pasta is a satisfying meal on its own, but a crisp green salad adds some welcome crunch and contrast. Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks are absolute classics for soaking up every last bit of sauce. For a pop of veggies, try sautéed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple tomato-cucumber salad to round out your spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner straight from the skillet at the table gives it a rustic, family-style feel that invites everyone to dig in. For a more playful twist, spoon individual portions into small oven-safe ramekins, top with extra cheese, and broil until golden. You can also use the pasta as a filling for stuffed peppers, or try layering leftovers into a baked casserole for a fresh take!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner will keep beautifully in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta might absorb some sauce as it sits, but a splash of broth or water when reheating will bring it back to its original creamy consistency.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the pasta and sauce stay nice and smooth.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm portions gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual servings, covered, in 45-second increments until they reach your desired temperature.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the rich sauce, you can easily swap in rigatoni, ziti, or rotini and expect delicious results. Just cook your pasta of choice to al dente and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute will all work beautifully here! Just be sure to brown them well for the best flavor and texture. Adjust the seasoning if you change the protein, as leaner meats may need a bit more salt or spice.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner, simply use your favorite meatless ground crumbles and substitute vegetable broth for beef broth. Pack in even more flavor with extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell pepper.
Is it possible to bake this recipe?
Definitely! After combining the pasta and meat sauce, transfer everything to a baking dish, cover with cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. This method is especially great if you love a golden, crispy top.
How can I add more veggies?
This is a fantastic “use up your veggies” recipe! Stir in sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, grated carrots, or bell peppers leftover in your fridge. Just add them in with the onions to soften before the beef goes in.
Final Thoughts
You simply can’t go wrong with Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner—it’s as comforting as it is quick. Whether you’re feeding little ones, friends, or just yourself on a busy night, this dish promises cozy, cheesy satisfaction every single time. Don’t wait to try it for your next dinner and share the love at your table!
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Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef recipe. A satisfying and flavorful dish perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Sauté Onion and Beef: Cook onion, garlic, and ground beef until browned.
- Season and Simmer: Add seasonings, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Simmer.
- Add Sour Cream and Pasta: Stir in sour cream and cooked pasta.
- Add Cheese: Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Melt cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes for a golden crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
