Beef and Shells
Beef and Shells
What’s great about this recipe
This Beef and Shells dish combines the heartiness of ground beef with the comforting texture of pasta. It’s creamy, cheesy, and sure to please both kids and adults. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something tasty for a gathering, this dish fits the bill perfectly.
How to make Beef and Shells
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces shell pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet, stirring until combined with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How to serve Beef and Shells
Serve Beef and Shells hot from the skillet. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread to make it a complete meal. This dish is filling on its own, but a glass of iced tea or lemonade can complement the richness perfectly.
How to store Beef and Shells
Allow any leftovers to cool down completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to refresh the sauce.
Tips to make Beef and Shells
- For extra flavor, you can add diced onions and bell peppers while cooking the ground beef.
- Try using different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique taste.
- If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked ground beef or cooked pasta to speed up the process.
Variations
You can easily make this dish lighter by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian option, try substituting the meat with lentils or mushrooms.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Beef and Shells?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to three months.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you prefer can work in this recipe.
3. Is this dish spicy?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like some heat!
Beef and Shells
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 ounces shell pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Beef Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet, stirring until combined with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
