Dive into a world of flavor with this creamy beef shells with lime recipe. It’s a delightful combination of savory beef paired perfectly with tangy lime, all enveloped in creamy, cheesy shells. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 250g shell pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Equipments
- Large pot
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Grater
How to Make Creamy Beef Shells with Lime – Step By Step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the shell pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, ensuring any liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Make it Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and pour the heavy cream into the pan with the beef. Stir gently to combine. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese has completely melted into the sauce, creating a creamy concoction.
Step 4: Incorporate Lime
Add the lime juice and zest into the creamy beef mixture. The lime will cut through the creaminess, adding a fresh, tangy flavor that elevates the dish. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked shell pasta to the creamy beef mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
How to Serve Creamy Beef Shells with Lime
Serve the creamy beef shells hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Pair it with a light side salad and a glass of your favorite crisp white wine to bring out the lime’s zestiness.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika while cooking the beef.
- To amp up the lime flavor, add a bit more zest or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or jack cheese if cheddar is unavailable.
Protein-Boosted Creamy Beef Shells
Looking to increase your protein intake? Add your favorite protein-packed beans like black beans or kidney beans to this recipe. Not only will it increase the nutritional value, but it will also add texture and color to the dish. Serve with a topping of Greek yogurt for an extra creamy finish.
Low Carb Dream Version: Creamy Beef & Lime Cabbage
For a low-carb alternative, substitute the pasta with thinly sliced cabbage. The cabbage will soak up the flavors beautifully and add a delightful crunch. Simply cook the cabbage in olive oil until just tender before adding it to the creamy beef mixture. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lime and enjoy a guilt-free meal without compromising on flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cream sauce may change upon thawing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any pasta shape you love or have on hand. Rotini or penne would work well.
Q: Do I have to use lime juice?
A: While lime juice adds a unique zing, you can opt for lemon juice as a substitute if needed.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: Add a hint of chili flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with soy crumbles or additional beans for a vegetarian version.
Creamy Beef Shells with Lime
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- shell pasta
- heavy cream
- shredded cheddar cheese
- garlic
- lime
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- fresh cilantro
Instructions
Steps
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the shell pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain using a colander and set aside.
- In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, ensuring any liquid has evaporated, and season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour the heavy cream into the pan with the beef. Stir gently to combine. Add the shredded cheddar, stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Add in the lime juice and zest, mixing well to ensure the flavors are evenly spread throughout.
- Add the cooked shell pasta to the creamy beef. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro.