Description
A hearty American-inspired meal combining tender pasta shells with a savory beef and cheddar cheese sauce, offering a comforting, no-bun cheeseburger in every bite. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (90/10 lean ratio or ground turkey)
8 oz medium pasta shells
1 yellow onion (small dice)
2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
1 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Cook pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onion over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
3. Add beef broth, ketchup, mustard, milk, and flour to skillet. Whisk to combine and simmer gently for 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
5. Toss cooked pasta into sauce mixture, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.
Notes
Grease empty pasta shells with mustard before adding sauce to intensify flavor. For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey. Use gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Easy Pasta Recipes for Quick Family Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg