Creamy Beef and Shells
Creamy Beef and Shells is a deliciously comforting dish that combines tender pasta shells with seasoned ground beef in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Medium shell pasta
- Lean ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Low-sodium beef broth
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add shell pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Brown the Beef: Increase heat slightly, add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in beef broth and softened cream cheese; simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until creamy.
- Combine: Fold cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until evenly coated.
- Season & Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Italian herbs. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Swap ground beef for turkey for a lighter option. Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta shells.