Cheesy Ground Beef and Shells is a delightful comfort food that combines the savory flavors of ground beef with creamy, cheesy sauce and pasta shells. This dish is perfect for busy nights or any occasion when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Below, I will guide you through the ingredients and directions to whip up this mouth-watering recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces large pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta Shells: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix Pasta and Beef Mixture: Once the beef mixture has simmered for about 10 minutes, stir in the cooked pasta shells, followed by the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Ground Beef and Shells
Rich and Creamy Flavor
The combination of cheddar cheese and sour cream provides a luxurious, creamy texture that perfectly complements the savory ground beef. Every bite is rich in flavor, making it a dish that everyone will love.
Versatile and Customizable
This recipe is a fantastic base that can be easily customized. Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for an extra nutritional boost. You can also switch up the cheese to include mozzarella or pepper jack for an exciting twist.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
With a prep time of around 15 minutes and a total cook time of 30-35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It efficiently combines cooking the beef and preparing the pasta into one streamlined process, ensuring you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Great for Meal Prep
This dish stores wonderfully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. You can prepare a larger batch and refrigerate it for later use. It reheats well in the microwave or oven, retaining its cheesy goodness.
Perfect for Family Gatherings
Cheesy Ground Beef and Shells is a hit among children and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that is sure to satisfy.
Nutritional Information
While comfort food like Cheesy Ground Beef and Shells is often seen as indulgent, this dish can be made a little healthier by opting for leaner ground beef, using low-fat cheese, or adding more vegetables. Nutritionally, here’s a general breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Note: Always adjust based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Tips for Perfectly Cheesy Ground Beef and Shells
- Brown the Beef Properly: Make sure the ground beef is well-browned before adding other ingredients to deepen its flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will bake in the oven, cooking it al dente (firm to the bite) is ideal to avoid mushiness.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion enhance the overall flavor profile significantly compared to powdered options.
- Experiment with Toppings: Consider toppings like crushed tortilla chips for added crunch or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra kick.
- Adjust for Dietary Needs: This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that other ingredients do not contain gluten.
In conclusion, Cheesy Ground Beef and Shells is not only a deliciously satisfying dish but also a practical choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Its ease of preparation and customizable nature make it a standout in your meal rotation. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a family favorite! Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness and the smiles it brings to your dinner table.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Shells
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 8 ounces large pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the beef mixture has simmered for about 10 minutes, stir in the cooked pasta shells, followed by the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.