Description
Rich, cheesy Creamy Beef and Shells combine comforting pasta with savory ground beef in a velvety sauce that promises pure indulgence. Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you bring this hearty classic to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef or turkey
- 6 ounces (170 grams) shell pasta
Seasonings & Aromatics:
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced onions
Sauce & Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) broth
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach
- 2 cups (226 grams) grated cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) plain Greek yogurt, room temperature
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature and sauté ground beef for 4-5 minutes, ensuring complete browning and removing any excess grease.
- Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, diced onions, half the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce tomato paste, pasta shells, and broth, ensuring complete liquid coverage of the pasta. Sprinkle remaining Italian seasoning for enhanced flavor profile.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Gently stir periodically to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Fold in sharp cheddar cheese and fresh spinach, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and spinach wilts into the creamy mixture.
- Remove skillet from heat and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Gently fold in room temperature Greek yogurt, creating a silky, tangy finish.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
- Replace traditional shells with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary accommodations and enhanced nutritional value.
- Fresh spinach works best when added at the end, preserving its vibrant color and preventing overcooking.
- Room temperature Greek yogurt helps prevent curdling and ensures smooth, creamy texture when stirred into the final dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg