Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick and comforting pasta recipe made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and tender shell pasta in a rich tomato-cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. Keywords: creamy beef pasta, beef and shells recipe, comfort food dinner.
Ingredients
8 oz medium pasta shells
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until soft. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add flour and cook another minute, stirring continuously.
5. Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth. Stir in heavy cream, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
6. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
7. Add drained pasta shells to the sauce and mix well until fully coated.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
Add mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrients.
A splash of pasta water can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg