Hey there, fellow food lover! If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that comes together in a flash, I’ve got just the thing for you: my one pot cheesy beef garlic penne! This dish has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s not only packed with flavor, but it’s also a breeze to clean up afterward—no one wants to deal with a mountain of dishes, right? Trust me when I say that the combination of hearty ground beef, fragrant garlic, and gooey melted cheese over penne pasta is pure comfort food bliss. Plus, it’s ready in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something delicious and homemade. So, let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful one pot cheesy beef garlic penne! Here’s what you’ll want:
- 1 lb ground beef: This is your protein powerhouse, giving the dish its hearty flavor. Feel free to use lean beef for a lighter option!
- 12 oz penne pasta: The star of the show! This tubular pasta is perfect for trapping all that cheesy goodness.
- 4 cups beef broth: This adds depth and richness to the dish. Homemade or store-bought works great, just make sure it’s flavorful!
- 1 cup shredded cheese: Use your favorite cheese here! Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend will melt beautifully into the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds that aromatic kick that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 onion, chopped: Sweet and savory, the onion pairs perfectly with the beef and garlic.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This gives the dish a lovely herby flavor; feel free to adjust to your liking!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors.
Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare One Pot Cheesy Beef Garlic Penne
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking that one pot cheesy beef garlic penne! First things first, grab a large pot and place it over medium heat. You’ll want to brown that ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. Oh, the smell of beef sizzling in the pan is just heavenly!
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these together for another 3-4 minutes, until the onion gets all soft and translucent. This is where the magic happens; the flavors start mingling and it just gets better from here!
Now, stir in the penne pasta, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Bring it all to a boil—this is your moment! Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed a good amount of that delicious broth.
Finally, it’s time for the star of the show: the cheese! Stir in your shredded cheese until it’s melted and creamy, making everything feel cozy and rich. Serve it hot, and get ready to dig into a bowl of pure comfort. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one pot cheesy beef garlic penne is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights! Here’s why I’m sure you’ll fall head over heels for it:
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip this up even on your craziest days.
- Easy Clean-Up: One pot means fewer dishes to wash—yes, please! Who wants to spend the evening scrubbing pots?
- Flavor Explosion: The rich combination of beef, garlic, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that’s comforting and satisfying.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and the option to add veggies, this meal can be as wholesome as it is delicious.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy goodness, making it a perfect choice for family dinners!
Trust me, once you try it, this will become your go-to recipe for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself!
Tips for Success
To make your one pot cheesy beef garlic penne absolutely irresistible, I’ve got a few pro tips up my sleeve! First, don’t skip browning the beef; that caramelization adds tons of flavor. If you want an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you toss in the garlic and onion. It’s a game-changer!
Also, keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers—stir it occasionally to prevent sticking, and feel free to adjust the beef broth if you like a creamier texture. If it seems too thick, add a splash more broth or water to loosen it up. And remember, when it comes to cheese, the more, the merrier! Mixing different types of cheese can elevate the flavor to a whole new level. Finally, serve it hot right off the stove for the best cheesy experience. Enjoy every bite!
Variations
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, there are countless ways to switch up this one pot cheesy beef garlic penne! For starters, try using different types of cheese—pepper jack adds a nice kick, while gouda brings a smoky flavor. You can also mix it up with some creamy ricotta for a richer texture.
Vegetable lovers will rejoice at the chance to sneak in some extra nutrition! Toss in some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini during the cooking process for added color and health benefits. If you want to take it a step further, consider adding a can of diced tomatoes or a splash of heavy cream for a more luxurious sauce.
Feeling like a flavor twist? Experiment with different seasonings—smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the dish to new heights. Don’t be afraid to make it your own; the possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional information for my one pot cheesy beef garlic penne. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also packs a punch in terms of nutrition, making it a great choice for a hearty meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Don’t worry, this one pot cheesy beef garlic penne stores like a champ! Let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—perfect for those busy days when you don’t feel like cooking!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just add a splash of beef broth or water to the pan to loosen it up, and heat it over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry, but be sure to cover it to keep it from drying out. Enjoy those cheesy bites again—trust me, they taste just as good the second time around!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you have on hand, like rotini or fussili. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, ground turkey or chicken works great! You could even try a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist—just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to throw in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even frozen peas during the cooking process. They’ll add great flavor and nutrition without compromising the dish.
How do I make this dish spicier?
If you love a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic and onions. You could also mix in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce at the end for an extra kick!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth to keep it creamy and delicious!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta.
Print
One Pot Cheesy Beef Garlic Penne: 30-Minute Comfort Food
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious one pot meal featuring cheesy beef and garlic penne.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the penne pasta, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use any cheese of your choice.
- Add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: one pot cheesy beef garlic penne
