Cheesy Beef and Shells Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• garlic powder (to taste)
• onion powder (to taste)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 16 oz medium pasta shells (one box)
• water (enough to cover pasta)
• 2 cup mild cheddar cheese (shredded)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through.

2. 2

   Drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary.

3. 3

   Season the cooked beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.

4. 4

   Add the dry pasta shells directly into the skillet with the beef.

5. 5

   Pour in enough water to just cover the pasta and beef mixture.

6. 6

   Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the water has been absorbed, about 8-10 minutes.

7. 7

   Once the pasta is cooked, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet.

8. 8

   Stir the cheese into the pasta and beef until it is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a creamier sauce, you can substitute a portion of the water with beef broth or add a splash of heavy cream at the end.

Nutrition per serving

• dinner
• main
• easy
• budget-friendly
• one-pot
• kid-friendly
• pasta