There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of pasta, isn’t there? It takes me back to family dinners where laughter filled the air and the aroma of cheesy goodness wafted through the kitchen. Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe for Ground Beef Penne with Monterey Cheddar Sauce. It’s not just easy to whip up; it’s a meal that promises to bring everyone together around the table. Ready to create some delicious memories? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Penne with Monterey Cheddar Sauce
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this mouthwatering dish:
- 8 ounces penne pasta: A perfect shape for holding onto that cheesy sauce.
- 1 pound ground beef: A classic protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: To sauté the onions and garlic, adding a beautiful flavor base.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Sweet and savory, it brings depth to our sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic!
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained: For a burst of freshness and acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that makes this dish sing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out the flavors.
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded: This creamy cheese is the star of our sauce.
- 1 cup milk: To help create that velvety cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thicken up that sauce for a delightful texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a touch of nutty flavor on top.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Ground Beef Penne with Monterey Cheddar Sauce
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the milk and flour over medium heat, whisking until smooth. Gradually add the Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. This is where the magic happens!
- Combine the cooked penne with the beef mixture and pour the cheese sauce over the top. Stir to combine all that cheesy goodness.
- Transfer everything to a serving dish, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
Substitutions & Additions
If you want to mix things up, here are some fun ideas:
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add some veggies like bell peppers or spinach to sneak in more nutrients.
- Try different types of cheese—cheddar or pepper jack can be delicious alternatives.
- For a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
Tips for Success
To ensure your dish turns out perfectly, consider these tips:
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to hold its shape.
- If your sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
- This recipe can be prepped ahead of time. Just store the components separately and combine before serving.
How to Store Ground Beef Penne with Monterey Cheddar Sauce
Leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to swap penne for your favorite pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni.
Is this recipe kid-friendly? Yes! Kids love cheesy pasta, and you can customize it to their taste.
Can I make this vegetarian? You can! Just replace the ground beef with a meat substitute or extra veggies.
Now that you have this delightful Ground Beef Penne with Monterey Cheddar Sauce recipe, it’s time to gather your loved ones and enjoy a comforting meal together. For more delicious recipes, check out Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes or Decadent Fudge Brownies for treats you will love!
Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious inspiration!
Ground Beef Penne with Monterey Cheddar Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Separate saucepan
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Penne
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Step 5: In a separate saucepan, combine the milk and flour over medium heat, whisking until smooth. Gradually add the Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Step 6: Combine the cooked penne with the beef mixture and pour the cheese sauce over the top. Stir to combine all that cheesy goodness.
- Step 7: Transfer everything to a serving dish, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.