Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of chili cheese steak shells, featuring savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice for a delightful comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef or shaved steak
- 8 oz jumbo pasta shells (conchiglie)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
- 1/2 cup roma tomatoes, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta Shells: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente—about 9-11 minutes.
- Sauté the Meat: While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or shaved steak) and minced garlic. Season with half of the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns.
- Incorporate Broth and Cream: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Add the remaining spices, scraping the flavorful browned bits from the skillet to create a lovely sauce. Let it simmer gently for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine with Pasta: Stir in the cooked pasta shells and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Toss until the cheese melts, creating a smooth, creamy coating around the shells. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow it to sit for a minute until the cheese becomes deliciously gooey.
- Finish with Toppings: Remove from heat and add a generous dollop of sour cream right at the center. Scatter the diced tomatoes and chopped green onions across the top, finishing with a light dusting of smoked paprika for a touch of flair. Serve piping hot and watch as everyone gathers around for a delightful feast!
Notes
Can be prepared a day in advance. Store filling in the fridge and assemble when ready to serve. To make vegetarian, substitute meat for lentils or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chili cheese, steak, comfort food, pasta, summer recipe