Description
Comfort meets culinary delight in this creamy beef and shells pasta, blending rich ground beef with tender pasta shells and a velvety cheese sauce. Hearty flavors and simple ingredients create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) medium pasta shells
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 cup (100 grams) cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces (411 grams) diced tomatoes
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta shells in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until deeply browned with crispy edges, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Incorporate tomato paste and diced tomatoes, stirring continuously and allowing the mixture to caramelize and develop rich flavors.
- Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce and bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually blend shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, velvety texture.
- Fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring each shell is evenly coated and absorbs the robust flavors.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling perfectly to the pasta.
- Plate the creamy beef shells immediately, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley for brightness.
Notes
- Toast pasta shells briefly in a dry skillet before boiling to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent sticking.
- Choose lean ground beef with around 85% meat content for the perfect balance of flavor and texture without excess grease.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Customize the dish by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the beef cooking stage for extra nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg