Description
A delicious and comforting one-pan pasta dish that combines ground beef and cheddar cheese with pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups medium pasta shells
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until slightly golden. Gradually add the milk and beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to cook until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy beef sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use lean ground beef to keep the dish less greasy. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, beef pasta, comforting meals, one-pan dishes, quick dinner