Name: One Pot Cheesy Beef Garlic Penne in 35 Minutes!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 12 ounces penne pasta; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, diced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste

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If you’re on the lookout for a quick, delicious meal that’s packed with flavor, then my one pot cheesy beef garlic penne is just what you need! This dish brings together the heartiness of ground beef, the aromatic goodness of garlic, and the creamy comfort of melted cheddar—all in one pot. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss of multiple pans. Trust me, once you taste this cozy, cheesy goodness, you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation. Get ready for a meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy!

one pot cheesy beef garlic penne - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 pound ground beef
12 ounces penne pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

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How to Prepare Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this one pot cheesy beef garlic penne! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time!

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. I like to use a heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking, but any large pot will do!
Add the ground beef into the pot and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant—this is where the magic starts to happen!
Next, toss in the penne pasta, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to keep things from sticking!
Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and gooey. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and voilà! Dinner is served!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation: From start to finish, you can have this meal ready in just 35 minutes!
Easy cleanup: With everything cooked in one pot, there’s minimal mess to deal with afterward.
Delicious flavor: The combination of savory beef, aromatic garlic, and melted cheddar is simply irresistible.
Nutritious ingredients: Packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the pasta and tomatoes, it’s a hearty meal you can feel good about.
Family-friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table!

Tips for Success

To make sure your one pot cheesy beef garlic penne turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my top tips! First, don’t rush the browning of the beef—this step adds so much flavor, so take your time! Also, make sure you stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers; this helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. If you like a cheesier dish (who doesn’t?), feel free to add more cheese at the end—just keep stirring until it’s beautifully melted. And remember, taste as you go! Adjusting the seasoning can make a big difference.

Variations

One of the best things about my one pot cheesy beef garlic penne is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or use up whatever you have in the fridge. For a veggie boost, try adding in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini—just toss them in with the onion and garlic. If you’re feeling adventurous, switch up the protein! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully, or even some diced sausage for an extra kick. And when it comes to cheese, don’t be shy—mix in pepper jack for a spicy twist or go classic with mozzarella for that gooey goodness. The possibilities are endless!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for my one pot cheesy beef garlic penne. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 450 calories, 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you love, like rotini or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the one pot cheesy beef garlic penne ahead of time! Just cook it as directed and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

What can I serve with this dish?
This hearty meal stands well on its own, but if you want sides, a fresh green salad or some garlic bread would complement it perfectly!

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This dish freezes well. Just portion it in airtight containers and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The cheesy goodness and savory flavors are sure to be a hit with kids. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some protein and veggies if you choose to add them!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftovers of my one pot cheesy beef garlic penne, you’re in luck! This dish stores beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, you can freeze it in individual portions for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it creamy and delicious. Enjoy every last bite!

For more information on the nutritional benefits of beef, you can visit Beef It’s What’s for Dinner.

For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, check out Food Network’s guide on cooking pasta.