Skillet Beef and Shells Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the savory delight of Skillet Beef and Shells, a comforting pasta dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a hearty meal. With tender ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and cheddar cheese melded together in a skillet, every bite is a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 621.2 kcal
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 4 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1-2 cups water
- 1 1/3 cups Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 cups medium pasta shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Make sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks for even browning and flavor distribution.
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Drain Excess Fat: Once the beef is cooked through, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet. This step helps reduce the overall fat content of the dish while ensuring a cleaner, more flavorful sauce.
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Add the Liquid Ingredients: Return the skillet to the heat and add the condensed soup, water, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, creating a rich and savory sauce that will infuse every bite of the dish with flavor.
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Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This helps to meld the flavors together and ensures that the pasta will cook evenly in the sauce.
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Incorporate the Pasta: Once the mixture is boiling, stir in the medium pasta shells, ensuring that they are fully submerged in the sauce. The pasta will absorb the flavors of the sauce as it cooks, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
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Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the pasta simmer gently in the sauce for about 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
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Add the Finishing Touch: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish. The residual heat from the pasta will melt the cheese, creating a creamy and indulgent topping that ties the whole dish together.
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Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the Skillet Beef and Shells onto serving plates or into bowls, garnishing with additional grated cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in this comforting pasta dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 621.2 kcal
- Fat: 27.9g
- Saturated Fat: 13.1g
- Cholesterol: 106.8mg
- Sodium: 1158.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 56.4g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 36.3g
Recipe Notes:
- Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition, or experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist on the classic dish.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve Skillet Beef and Shells with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this Skillet Beef and Shells recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its simple yet delicious combination of flavors and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that’s as convenient as it is satisfying. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a hearty and comforting meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
