Description
This creamy and cheesy pasta dish is an easy family dinner idea that everyone will love, featuring lean ground beef, pasta, and hidden spinach for extra nutrition.
Ingredients
1 lb Lean Ground Beef (90/10 is best to avoid excess grease)
12 oz Medium Pasta Shells (or elbow macaroni)
2 cups Beef Broth (low sodium)
1 cup Whole Milk or Heavy Cream
2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese
shredded (freshly grated melts better!)
1 tbsp Tomato Paste
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika (for a subtle depth)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Optional: 2 cups Fresh Spinach (finely chopped to “hide” from picky eaters)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess grease.
- Add the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a separate pot, combine the milk or cream with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and beef mixture to the cheese sauce, mixing until well combined. If using, stir in the chopped spinach until wilted.
- Serve hot and enjoy your easy family dinner!
Notes
For a slightly healthier version, substitute half of the cheese with a low-fat cheese. The hidden spinach can be adjusted based on your family’s preferences.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Easy Family Dinner Ideas, Cheesy Pasta, Ground Beef Recipes, Family-Friendly Dinner, Quick Dinner Ideas