One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells - Easy Back To School Meal

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta cheese

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is less expensive and provides a similar texture.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated mozzarella

Grated mozzarella is a budget-friendly cheese option.

Blend or crush the plum tomatoes until smooth.

Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat.

Add diced onion and sauté for about 6 minutes until softened.

Add sliced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add ground chuck to the pan and break it up; cook until browned, about 2 minutes.

Season the beef with salt and continue to cook, breaking it up further.

Add crushed red pepper flakes and stir.

Incorporate the blended tomatoes and beef stock into the pan; bring to a simmer.

Season the mixture with salt to taste.

Add the medium shell pasta to the simmering sauce and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.

Stir in 1 cup of cream and mix until combined and creamy.

Finish with fresh basil before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens