Million Dollar Shells and Cheese

If you're craving a delicious twist on the classic comfort food of stuffed shells, this recipe is for you. Imagine the hearty goodness of ground beef wrapped in tender pasta shells, smothered in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. It's everything you love about spaghetti in a delightful shell and cheese format, perfect for a special cheat day treat. Get ready to indulge in this culinary masterpiece!

https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsbaker0/video/7321473913668586795

Ingredients

For the Seasoning:
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🧅 1 teaspoon onion powder
📦 1 packet Sazón Accent
🌿 1 teaspoon thyme
🧂 1 teaspoon sea salt
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon pepper
🌿 1 tablespoon parsley

For the Cream Sauce:
🧈 2 tablespoons butter
🧀 1 tablespoon cream cheese
🧄 1 tablespoon minced garlic
🍶 1 cup heavy cream
🧀 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🧅 1 teaspoon onion powder
🌿 1 teaspoon thyme
🧂 1 teaspoon sea salt
🍋 (Optional) 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Meat Filling:
🍖 1 pound ground beef
🧄 2 cloves of garlic, minced
🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
🍝 1 cup spaghetti sauce

For the Topping:
🧀 1/2 cup Italian cheese blend, shredded
🧀 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1- Prep the Ingredients:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2- Prepare the Meat Filling:

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic and onions until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with garlic powder, onion powder, Sazón Accent, thyme, sea salt, pepper, and parsley. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Stir in the spaghetti sauce and mix until well combined. Set the mixture aside.

3- Make the Cream Sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
Add cream cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
Pour in the heavy cream, then add Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, sea salt, pepper, and optional lemon pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens and is smooth.

4- Assemble the Stuffed Shells:

In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the creamy sauce at the bottom.
Fill each shell with the meat filling and place them in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining cream sauce over the stuffed shells.
Top with shredded Italian and mozzarella cheese.

5- Bake:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6- Serve:

Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Macros per Serving: Proteins: 27g, Fats: 30g, Carbohydrates: 20g
Equipment: Large skillet, saucepan, large baking dish, foil