Description
Comfort meets indulgence in this creamy beef and shells pasta, blending rich ground beef with tender pasta shells in a luscious sauce. Cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor, you’ll savor every satisfying bite of this irresistible one-pot wonder.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef (80-85% lean)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
Sauce and Cheese Components:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) medium pasta shells
Cooking Liquid:
- Water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil pasta shells in salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté ground beef and diced onions until meat browns and onions become translucent, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 45-60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors throughout the pan.
- Pour beef broth, tomato sauce, and seasonings into the skillet, creating a rich, savory base. Allow mixture to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
- Incorporate heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, whisking continuously until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency with no visible cheese lumps.
- Gently fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy sauce, ensuring each shell is generously coated and heated through for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant, herbaceous finish and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
- Use gluten-free pasta shells to make this dish completely gluten-free without compromising the rich, creamy texture.
- For extra nutrition, sneak in finely chopped spinach or zucchini during the beef cooking stage – they’ll blend seamlessly into the sauce.
- Control sodium levels by choosing low-sodium beef broth and reducing added salt, making this dish more heart-friendly and diet-adaptable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 521 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg