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Ultimate Cheesy Beef and Shells

Ultimate Cheesy Beef and Shells
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Ultimate Cheesy Beef and Shells is a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal combining creamy shredded cheddar and cream cheese sauce with savory ground beef and tender pasta shells. This easy and quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite while remaining versatile for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

Pasta

  • 12 oz medium or large pasta shells

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (preferably freshly shredded)
  • 4 oz cream cheese

Produce & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Italian herbs (dried oregano, basil, thyme blend)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook it while stirring frequently until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat for a leaner dish, then set the browned beef aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Cook the Pasta Shells: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and milk or heavy cream into the skillet with onions and garlic. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Beef, Pasta, and Sauce: Return the browned beef to the skillet, mixing thoroughly into the cheese sauce. Then fold in the cooked pasta shells, making sure every shell is coated in the luscious cheesy mixture.
  6. Simmer and Serve: Allow the combined dish to gently simmer on low heat for a few minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or extra cheese.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creaminess; pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that affect texture.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente shells hold their shape and soak up the sauce without becoming mushy.
  • Drain excess beef fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy and to balance richness.
  • Simmer gently after adding cheese to avoid curdling or sauce separation.
  • Season gradually and taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance of salt and spices.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy beef pasta, beef and shells, comfort food, creamy cheese sauce, weeknight dinner, family meal, beef pasta casserole, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/ultimate-cheesy-beef-and-shells/