Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite busy-night lifesaver – one pot cheesy beef garlic penne! This dish became my go-to back in college when my tiny apartment kitchen had exactly one working burner and zero patience for complicated recipes. I remember calling my mom in a panic before finals week, begging for “that lightning-fast pasta dish you used to make when we were running to soccer practice.” Now it’s my turn to share this miracle meal with you – rich, garlicky beef mingling with tender penne and gooey cheese, all ready in about the time it takes to watch your favorite sitcom episode. No fancy techniques, no mountain of dishes, just pure comfort in a pot.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Cheesy Beef Garlic Penne
Listen, I know what you’re thinking – “Another pasta recipe?” But trust me, this one’s different. First off, you’ll only dirty ONE pot (hallelujah for no sink full of dishes!). Second, it’s faster than ordering takeout – we’re talking 25 minutes from fridge to table. The magic happens when the garlic infuses the beef, the pasta cooks right in the broth (hello, flavor!), and that mountain of cheddar melts into every nook and cranny. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table go quiet except for the “mmm”s and “can I have seconds?” Plus? Leftovers taste even better next day (if you somehow have any left).
Ingredients for One Pot Cheesy Beef Garlic Penne
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I promise, nothing fancy here! You’ll need 1 lb ground beef (I like 85% lean – enough fat for flavor but not too greasy), 8 oz uncooked penne pasta (that’s about half a standard box), and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (please, please shred it yourself – the pre-shredded stuff never melts as creamy). The flavor boosters? 3 cloves of garlic minced fine (or more if you’re a garlic fiend like me), 2 cups beef broth (the better the broth, the better the dish), and 1 cup milk (whole milk makes it extra rich, but 2% works too). Round it out with 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking, plus 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper – though I always end up adding an extra pinch of each at the end!
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s the beautiful part – you barely need any gear for this one! Just grab a large pot (I use my 5-quart Dutch oven, but any decent-sized pot will do), a wooden spoon for stirring (metal can scrape your pot), and basic measuring cups. Oh, and a knife for mincing that garlic – though I won’t judge if you use pre-minced in a pinch. That’s it! No fancy gadgets required, promise.
How to Make One Pot Cheesy Beef Garlic Penne
Alright, let’s get cooking – I promise it’s so easy you could do it half-asleep (and trust me, I have). The magic of this recipe is how everything comes together in one glorious pot. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have creamy, cheesy perfection in no time!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First, heat that 1 tbsp olive oil in your pot over medium heat – you’ll know it’s ready when a tiny piece of beef sizzles on contact. Crumble in your 1 lb ground beef and let it get nice and browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-6 minutes). If there’s more than a tablespoon of grease, you might want to drain some – but leave a little for flavor!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Now for the good stuff! Push the beef to one side and toss in your 3 minced garlic cloves. Oh, that smell! Just cook it for about 30 seconds – until it’s fragrant but not brown. Burnt garlic is bitter garlic, and we don’t want that.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids
Time for the one-pot magic! Stir in your 8 oz penne, making sure it’s evenly mixed with the beef. Then pour in the 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup milk – the liquid should just cover the pasta (if not, add a splash more broth). Sprinkle in the salt and pepper too. Give it one good stir to combine everything.
Step 4: Simmer and Stir
Bring everything to a lively boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. You want a gentle simmer – bubbles breaking the surface every few seconds. Now set your timer for 12 minutes and stir occasionally (about every 3-4 minutes) to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente when done – tender but with a little bite.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Turn off the heat – this is crucial so your cheese doesn’t get grainy. Now gradually stir in your 2 cups cheddar, about ½ cup at a time, letting each addition melt before adding more. The residual heat will make it gloriously creamy. Give it one final taste – maybe add another pinch of salt if needed – and prepare to be amazed!
Tips for Perfect One Pot Cheesy Beef Garlic Penne
Okay, let me share my hard-earned secrets for making this dish absolutely foolproof! First – and I can’t stress this enough – freshly grate your cheese. The pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that make it melt weirdly. Also, taste before serving – broths vary in saltiness, so you might need an extra pinch. If your pasta absorbs too much liquid, just stir in a splash of warm milk to loosen it up. And here’s my favorite trick: throw in a handful of baby spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking – it wilts perfectly and sneaks in some greens. Oh, and leftovers? They thicken up, so reheat with a little broth or milk to bring them back to life!
Variations for One Pot Cheesy Beef Garlic Penne
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own! Swap the beef for ground turkey if you want something lighter (just add an extra pinch of garlic powder for flavor). Vegetarian? Try lentils or mushrooms instead of meat – they soak up all that garlicky goodness perfectly. Need gluten-free? Brown rice penne works like a charm here. And my personal favorite twist? Stir in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for a sweet-tart punch, or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if you like heat. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this cozy dish! A crusty garlic bread is non-negotiable in my house – perfect for scooping up every last cheesy bit. For something fresh, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I’ll even throw some roasted broccoli right into the pot for an all-in-one meal. Comfort food heaven! If you’re looking for a great recipe for crispy parmesan zucchini fries, that would be a great side!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the good news – this pasta actually gets tastier as leftovers! Just pop any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up – the microwave works fine, but I prefer stovetop over low heat so I can stir it back to creamy perfection. Pro tip: sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating for an extra melty bonus!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in this comforting bowl of goodness! Per serving (about 1 generous cup), you’re looking at roughly 450 calories, with 25g protein to keep you full and 35g carbs for energy. The values will vary based on your exact ingredients – like using turkey instead of beef or low-fat cheese. It’s got 22g fat (hey, that’s where the flavor lives!), but you can trim that by using leaner meat or less cheese. Just remember – this is home cooking, not lab science, so take the numbers as friendly estimates, not gospel! For more information on general food safety and handling, check out the FDA website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While penne’s ridges hold the sauce beautifully, any short pasta works – rigatoni, rotini, even elbow macaroni in a pinch. Just stick to similar cooking times (about 12 minutes). Long noodles like spaghetti? Not ideal for this one-pot method – they don’t cook evenly with the beef.
How can I make it spicier?
Ooh, I love this question! Toss in ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic for a gentle heat, or go wild with diced jalapeños. My secret? A dash of hot sauce stirred into the broth gives the whole dish a sneaky kick without overpowering the cheese.
Can I prep this ahead?
Sort of! You can brown the beef and garlic in advance, then refrigerate. When ready, just add the dry pasta and liquids – you might need an extra minute or two of simmering since everything’s cold. But fresh is always best with pasta dishes! If you’re looking for other great dinner ideas for busy nights, check out my collection!
Why does my cheese get stringy?
Ah, the cheese drama! Two key things: 1) Always turn off the heat before adding cheese, and 2) Use freshly shredded – pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that make it melt weird. Stir gradually and don’t let it boil after adding cheese.
Ready to Make One Pot Cheesy Beef Garlic Penne?
Alright, friend – you’ve got all my secrets now! I can practically hear your stomach growling from here. Don’t just stare at the screen – grab that pot and get cooking! I want to hear all about your cheesy masterpiece (and see pics of those glorious cheese pulls). Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your new weeknight hero just like it did for me. Now go forth and make magic in that pot!
Print
25-Minute One Pot Cheesy Beef Garlic Penne – Irresistible Comfort
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and easy one-pot meal with cheesy beef and garlic penne pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add penne pasta, beef broth, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- Substitute milk with heavy cream for a richer taste.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: one pot, cheesy beef, garlic penne, easy pasta recipe