Description
A comforting dish of pasta shells enveloped in creamy cheese sauce and savory beef, perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 12 oz (340g) pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for about 1 minute.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the milk and cream while whisking to avoid lumps, stirring until thick.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: Stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and beef, stirring until coated. Serve hot.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Prepare the cheese sauce in advance and reheat when ready to serve. Customize with vegetables or different cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, beef pasta, comfort food, easy meal, family dinner