Description
This Creamy Beef and Shells dish is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. The tender pasta shells are coated in a rich, creamy beef sauce that is bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz. medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Add the Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra veggies, consider adding chopped spinach or peas to the sauce.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Parmesan for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg