If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, Creamy Beef and Shells – Mexican Style Delight is the perfect recipe. This dish combines the hearty goodness of ground beef with creamy salsa and cheese, all served over pasta shells. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for busy weeknights. It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, so you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you might already have on hand. With its creamy texture and zesty flavor, this dish brings a fun twist to traditional pasta.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces pasta shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic, black pepper, and cumin. Stir and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the salsa and heavy cream, mixing it well. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and then add them to the beef mixture.
- Stir in shredded cheese until it is melted.
- Season with salt to taste and serve warm.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some tortilla chips for a complete meal. You can also add diced avocados or sour cream on top for an extra touch.
How to Store Creamy Beef and Shells
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
- For added flavor, consider using different types of salsa, such as spicy or mango salsa.
- If you want more vegetables, try adding some chopped bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture.
- To make the dish even creamier, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with cream cheese.
Variation
If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils. This will still give you a hearty texture while keeping the flavors intact.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can add chopped jalapeños or use a spicier salsa to kick up the heat.
3. How can I make this dish lighter?
To make it lighter, consider using lean ground turkey instead of beef and substitute half the heavy cream with a low-fat alternative.
Enjoy your Creamy Beef and Shells – Mexican Style Delight! It’s a simple, tasty meal that your family will love.
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces pasta shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- to taste salt
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic, black pepper, and cumin. Stir and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the salsa and heavy cream, mixing it well. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and then add them to the beef mixture.
- Stir in shredded cheese until it is melted.
- Season with salt to taste and serve warm.
