Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 cup broth (chicken or beef)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp butter, optional for finishing
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until tender but still slightly firm. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it apart with a spoon. Let it brown well so it develops rich flavor. Season with salt and black pepper, then transfer the cooked beef to a plate.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic, oregano, and garlic powder. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir continuously for about a minute so it blends smoothly into the butter and forms a creamy base.
- Slowly pour in the broth while stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Add the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer gently for several minutes until it thickens.
- Reduce the heat and add the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella a little at a time, stirring after each addition until fully melted and creamy.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir until it is fully coated in the rich garlic butter cheese sauce.
- Add the drained penne and gently toss everything together until the pasta tubes are filled and coated with the creamy cheddar Parmesan sauce.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the extra tablespoon of butter if you want a richer finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American