Description
Creamy beef and shells is a rich, comforting pasta dish made with tender ground beef, medium pasta shells, and a velvety, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring to create a smooth mixture.
- Stir in heavy cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta shells and stir to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Simmer for 2 more minutes to combine flavors. Serve hot.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy version.Stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.Try different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variety.Use ground turkey for a leaner option.Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge.Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
