Hearty Cheesy Penne with Beef and Garlic Recipe – Sizzling Family Favorite
Savory aromas dance through the kitchen as this mouthwatering cheesy penne with beef and garlic delight recipe promises a symphony of flavors.
Tender beef mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a comfort food masterpiece that speaks directly to your hunger.
garlic adds its magical touch, infusing each bite with rich, aromatic warmth.
Melted cheese blankets the dish in creamy goodness, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.
The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious blend that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Bold and satisfying, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary celebration.
Dive into this delectable creation and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable dining adventure.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 640 kcal
Servings: 5
What’s Inside Cheesy Penne With Beef and Garlic
For Pasta Base:
Penne Pasta: Sturdy tubes perfect for holding onto rich, creamy sauce and catching meaty bits.
For Meat and Aromatics:
Ground Beef: Lean cuts provide hearty protein and deep flavor for the dish.
Butter: Adds rich, golden undertones and helps brown the meat beautifully.
Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that brings intense, warm depth to the entire recipe.
Onion: Provides sweet, caramelized notes that complement the beef's richness.
For Creamy Sauce and Cheese Elements:
Beef Broth: Intensifies meaty flavors and creates a robust liquid base for the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky texture and rounds out the sauce's complexity.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts smoothly and enhances overall umami profile.
Mozzarella Cheese: Stretchy, mild cheese that creates a beautiful melted topping.
Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbal garnish that adds freshness and visual appeal.
Cooking Tools That Make Pasta Night Easier
Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta with plenty of room.
Colander: Essential for draining pasta after cooking.
Skillet: Heavy-bottomed pan for browning beef and sautéing ingredients.
Wooden spoon: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients without scratching pan.
Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure broth and cream.
Cheese grater: For freshly grating Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
Sharp knife: Used for chopping garlic, onions, and parsley.
Serving dish: Large enough to mix pasta, beef, and sauce together.
How to Cook Cheesy Penne With Bold Garlic Flavor
Flavor Explosion Pasta
Pasta Preparation Submerge penne in bubbling, salted water until perfectly tender. Drain and keep warm.
Meat Magic Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet, releasing rich aromas. Toss in minced garlic and diced onions, creating a mouthwatering fragrance that fills the kitchen.
Sauce Symphony Whisk beef broth and cream together, letting the mixture simmer and thicken. Fold in Parmesan cheese, creating a silky, luxurious coating.
Delicious Fusion Marry the cooked pasta with seasoned beef and velvety sauce, ensuring every noodle gets a delectable embrace.
Cheesy Finale Blanket the dish with molten mozzarella, allowing it to cascade and melt into dreamy pools. Sprinkle fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Sensation Plate the steaming creation immediately, presenting a comforting meal that promises to tantalize taste buds and warm hearts.
Tips to Make This Dish a Family Favorite
Pasta Perfection Pointers
Pasta Water Magic: Save a cup of starchy pasta water to help thin or thicken the sauce if needed, creating a silky smooth texture.
Cheese Selection Secrets: Swap Parmesan for Romano or aged Asiago for a bolder flavor profile that adds depth to the creamy sauce.
Protein Power Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or plant-based crumbles for a delicious alternative that keeps the dish exciting.
Veggie Boost Hack: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the beef cooking stage for added texture and flavor complexity.
Leftover Love Trick: Reheat this dish in a skillet with a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out, keeping the meal just as delicious as the first serving.
Serving Garlic Pasta With Comfort in Mind
Family Dinner Champion: Serve this hearty pasta dish as a centerpiece meal that brings everyone together around the table, creating delicious memories with every bite.
Cozy Side Companion: Pair this cheesy penne with a light crisp salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add some nutritional variety to your plate.
Game Night Favorite: Transform this recipe into a crowd-pleasing potluck or movie night meal that keeps friends and family coming back for seconds, perfect for casual gatherings.
Leftovers Makeover: Reheat gently the next day and add a splash of extra beef broth to restore the sauce's creamy texture, making it an ideal quick lunch or next-day meal.
Meal Prep and Storage for Leftover Pasta
Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and store portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerated meals stay delicious for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the pasta dish completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention when sealed tightly with minimal air exposure.
Reheating Magic Trick: Add a splash of beef broth or cream when warming leftovers to restore the sauce's original creamy texture. Stir gently and heat slowly to prevent sauce separation and maintain rich flavors.
Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop garlic and onions in advance, storing them in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Prepare ground beef and sauce components earlier in the week, cutting down total cooking time and streamlining meal preparation.
Cheesy penne with beef and garlic delight delivers incredible flavors from classic Italian-American comfort cuisine. Hearty ingredients combine with rich seasonings, creating a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb ground beef
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
3 tbsps butter
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup beef broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt
Black pepper
Instructions
Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water pot to a vigorous boil and cook penne until achieving a perfectly firm al dente texture.
Beef Caramelization: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté ground beef, developing a rich golden-brown exterior that promises intense flavor complexity.
Aromatic Base: Introduce finely minced garlic and diced onions into the sizzling beef, stirring continuously to release their deep, fragrant essences and establish a robust flavor foundation.
Seasoning Layer: Sprinkle a harmonious blend of herbs and spices across the beef mixture, ensuring comprehensive flavor integration and depth.
Sauce Development: Stream beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet, transforming the mixture into a luxurious, gradually thickening sauce with a velvety smooth consistency.
Cheese Incorporation: Gently fold Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce, allowing it to melt seamlessly and enhance the creamy mixture’s richness.
Pasta Fusion: Drain cooked pasta and combine directly with beef and sauce, thoroughly coating each pasta tube in the decadent mixture.
Final Cheese Layer: Distribute mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a golden, bubbling surface that promises a delightful cheesy experience.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish, then serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and the cheese remains molten, beckoning eager diners to indulge.
Notes
Pasta Perfection: Cook penne exactly al dente to maintain ideal texture and prevent mushiness.
Beef Browning Technique: Allow ground beef to caramelize without stirring constantly for deeper, richer flavor development.
Cheese Melting Secret: Add Parmesan and mozzarella gradually off direct heat to prevent clumping and ensure smooth, creamy integration.
Fresh Herb Finishing: Sprinkle parsley just before serving to preserve vibrant color and maximize fresh, aromatic notes.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.