Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 slices smoked beef strips, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine with the beef mixture. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until well coated with the sauce.
- Mix in the crumbled smoked beef strips and diced tomatoes if using. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce texture.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
- Rotini, shells, or fusilli can replace penne pasta.
- Sautéed mushrooms or onions can add extra savory depth.
- For extra cheesiness, add mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
